February 7, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) officials report on Monday, February 6, 2023 around 12:00 P.M., the Madera County Regional SWAT team served a search warrant and arrest warrant in the area of Road 415 and Ridgecrest Road in Coarsegold.

Upon arrival at the location, team members established a safety perimeter and made contact with the wanted subject, Joshua Ealand. Mr. Ealand attempted to flee from the scene in a vehicle, but was prevented by MCSO vehicles holding the perimeter.

Mr. Ealand refused to comply with orders to exit the vehicle and threatened that he was armed with a gun. Crisis Negotiators who were on scene for the warrant service quickly initiated communication with Mr. Ealand. Our skilled Crisis Negotiators were able to successfully persuade him to disarm himself and exit the vehicle he was barricaded in. SWAT team members took him into custody without further incident. Deputies seized the discarded weapon and identified it as a modified air rifle.

Joshua Ealand was transported to the Madera County Jail and booked on a felony warrant stemming from an incident on April 25, 2022 which included charges of attempting to take a firearm from a police officer, resisting an executive officer and vandalism, as well as misdemeanor charges of elder abuse and vandalism, in addition to special circumstances of PC667(b)(1) (CA Three Strikes Law). He also faces misdemeanor charges stemming from this incident including resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He is currently being held without bail.

Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue remarks, “I applaud the proficient efforts of our well trained SWAT team members and diligence of our highly skilled Crisis Negotiators working together to conclude this incident without posing any danger to the surrounding public. We would also like to thank area residents for their cooperation during the service of this warrant.“


Source: Madera County Sheriff's Office