Mariposa County Public Information Officer Kristie Mitchell

Listen to the Audio for the Noon Update on the shooting:
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October 1, 2015 - Mariposa County Public Information Officer Kristie Mitchell provides details on the shooting of a Mariposa County Deputy.

This morning at approximately 6:00 A.M.  Mariposa County Sheriff Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle due to erratic driving. The pursuit began on Highway 49 South just south of the town of Mariposa.

(Left) The suspect, Brian Ballasch, a white male adult from the Merced area, crashed his vehicle into assisting sheriff units. He then exited his vehicle and after a short verbal exchange started shooting at Mariposa County Sheriff Deputies.  

One deputy was struck twice, once in the face and once in the torso.  

Brian Ballasch was struck by Deputy fire.  

The Mariposa County Sheriff Deputy was flown to a north valley hospital.  

Brian Ballasch is in custody for attempted murder of a peace officer and is being treated locally. Brian Ballasch's gun is believed to be a .45 caliber pistol.

The California Highway Patrol is assisting the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office on scene.

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with our Deputy and family.   We ask that yours are also.  More information will be released as details become available.
Source: Mariposa County Sheriff Department

Thursday afternoon Highway 49 South was still closed at Ben Hur Road.