January 16, 2018 - The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office reports Deputy Rudy Mirelez has reported for full duty!

We are so amazed by Rudy and his dedication to our department and this community and his determination to return to work.

Rudy underwent multiple surgeries, hospital stays and lots and lots of rehabilitation to make this day a possibility.

Sheriff Binnewies introduced Rudy back to work this morning to the Board of Supervisors.

History: Over two years ago;
“This morning, October 1, 2015 at approximately 6:00 am, Mariposa County Sheriff Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle due to erratic driving. The pursuit began on Hwy 49 South just south of the Town of Mariposa when the Suspect passed a deputy.The Suspect Brian Ballasch, a white male adult from the Merced area and a USMC Vet suffering from PTSD crashed his vehicle into assisting sheriff units; he then exited his vehicle and after a short verbal exchange started shooting at the four Deputies on scene. One Deputy, a 10-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, Father, Son, Husband and Friend was struck at least twice, once in the face in the mouth area and once in the upper torso. He was flown to Memorial Hospital in Modesto California. He is currently listed in critical condition.The three other Deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is protocol in these types of cases.Brian Ballasch was struck in the right ear and right elbow with return fire by deputies. He is currently listed in Stable condition. Ballasch is currently being held on attempt murder of a peace officer, he was treated locally before being transferred to another hospital out of the county. The suspect’s gun is believed to be a .45 caliber pistol.The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a huge thank you to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol for assisting in this case and for their immediate support and response. Other surrounding agencies including Madera and Merced PD and Sheriff’s Offices have also assisted in this tragedy.Our Thoughts and Prayers are with our Deputy and family. More information will be released as details become available.”

If you see Rudy out on Patrol today please join us in welcoming him back to work!

For those of you who listen to the scanner Rudy’s new radio call sign is David 3.
Source: Mariposa County Sheriff's Office