May 20, 2024 – Amador County Sheriff's Office officials report that on May 18, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m. a solo Jackson Police Officer was traveling east on Court Street nearing the Highway 88 intersection when his attention was drawn to a male subject yelling for assistance. At that time the male was in the shadows behind the Jackson Liquors building (Old Scotty's 88). Once the officer drove into the parking lot and activated his spotlights, the male emerged from behind the building holding a rifle and screaming. The officer recognized the male subject as 46-year-old Joel Hand.

The officer immediately requested emergency back-up while attempting de-escalation tactics. At one point Hand dropped the firearm and started to walk away, refusing the officer's commands to stop. Hand charged at the officer, but then diverted and returned to his rifle. Hand picked up the rifle and started to cross the highway towards the Sutter Amador Hospital. The hospital was placed on lockdown. A second Jackson Officer arrived and the two were able to contain Hand near the Jackson Creek area until an Amador County Sheriff's K-9 unit arrived. Hand dropped the rifle but continued to refuse the officer's commands to surrender. Amador County Sheriff's K-9 "Zidan" was deployed and took Hand to the ground. The officers were then able to subdue Hand and arrest him.

The rifle was found to be a pellet gun. Hand was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and he was then booked into the Amador County Jail. Although the firearm brandished during this encounter was a pellet gun, this incident had the potential to end with a deadly outcome and I praise the officers for their incredible restraint. I would like to thank the Amador County Sheriff's Office for their quick response and the use of K-9 Zidan, which illustrates the important role a K-9 plays in law enforcement.

As members of the Jackson Police Department, we will vigorously strive to meet the diverse needs within our community and our organization. We will greet the future with vision and enthusiasm, working In partnership with the community to safeguard and enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

The suspect’s rifle (above) was found to be a pellet gun. Photo credit: Jackson Police Department

Source: Amador County Sheriff's Office