Law Enforcement Activity Near West Point CA 

January 20, 2024 - Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 19, 2024, at 8:55 A.M., the Calaveras County Sheriff’s and Amador County Sheriff’s SWAT attempted to serve a search warrant in the 1000 block of Woodhouse Mine road in West Point. The search warrant was the result of a comprehensive investigation regarding a person who was believed to possess firearms while legally prohibited from doing so. In addition to possessing firearms, the subject had been reported to the Sheriff’s Office for threatening persons with great bodily harm and discharging weapons in the area.

Upon arrival at the subject’s residence, the teams established a perimeter and attempted to contact the sole occupant of the residence. The occupant of the residence notified on scene Sheriff’s personnel and Sheriff’s Dispatch on the telephone that he had no intention of exiting the residence or complying with their orders. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team continued to speak with the subject in combination with providing space and time in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

At about 10:55 A.M. during negotiations, the subject in the residence fired several rounds toward one of the law enforcement vehicles. Deputies did not return fire and opted for negotiations to continue. The team of negotiators resumed their efforts and reestablished contact.

As of the time of this release, law enforcement units remain on scene and are continuing to attempt to communicate with the subject.

Update: Suspect in Custody

At about 5:00 P.M. on January 19^th, 2024, communication with the suspect continued to be unproductive and chemical agents were introduced into the residence. The suspect exited the residence and fired a weapon at deputies one or more times which caused deputies to return fire to protect themselves. The suspect was struck by at least one round. Deputies provided immediate first aid to the subject prior to him being treated by on-scene ambulance staff. The subject was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Please note that this is preliminary information. More information will be forthcoming in the following days in greater detail. The suspect has been identified as Michael Powell, 40 years of age. The involved deputies will be placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.

Due to the early stages of the investigation no further information will be released at this time. Please check the official media pages of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office for official information as it becomes available.

Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office