Suspect Arrested for Threatening Victims While Armed with a Knife, Copperopolis, CA
October 29, 2025 – Calaveras County Sheriff's Office officials report that on October 25, 2025, at approximately 11:10 P.M., the 
Calaveras County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a witness located in the 10000 block of Pool Station Road, Angels Camp. The caller reported that a male individual was holding and manipulating a knife and attempting to start a fight while under the influence of alcohol. The individual was later identified as Suspect Casey Daniel Purser, age 38, of Copperopolis.
Upon arrival, deputies were directed to a large building on the property where persons exiting the building informed them that Suspect Purser was inside, threatening people with what was described as a “switchblade knife.” A switchblade is defined as a knife with a concealed blade in the handle that automatically springs open with the push of a button or lever.
When the deputies entered the building, they observed Suspect Purser and began giving verbal commands to get on the ground. Suspect Purser failed to follow their orders and began walking toward the deputies. The deputies continued issuing commands for him to comply; however, Suspect Purser continued advancing toward them. Concerned that Suspect Purser may still be armed with the knife while failing to comply with their commands, the deputies used a 40 mm kinetic device, striking Suspect Purser in a lower extremity. The impact allowed the deputies to achieve compliance with Suspect Purser, who immediately positioned himself face down on the ground, as previously ordered by the deputies. The deputies then safely placed him in handcuffs. While searching the suspect, the deputies located a switchblade knife in a garment pocket.
As the deputies escorted Suspect Purser to a patrol vehicle, he continued to resist and attempt to delay them by pulling away and refusing to walk. Eventually, he was placed into the patrol vehicle, during which he exhibited verbally aggressive behavior, shouted profanities, and refused to cooperate with emergency medical personnel who were attempting to evaluate him.
The deputies were able to interview all pertinent witnesses and victims to establish an accurate account of the events. In addition to Suspect Purser threatening individuals with a knife, deputies learned that he attempted to force what the witness believed to be a narcotic pill into their mouth, which was ultimately prevented when they were able to push Suspect Purser’s hand away.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Suspect Purser was arrested. He was transported and booked into the Calaveras County Jail, where he was charged with three felonies and two misdemeanors. Based upon the actions of Suspect Purser, the deputies contacted Calaveras County Superior Court’s Honorable Judge Healey and requested a no-bail enhancement. Judge Healey approved the request, granting a no-bail condition on the suspect.
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff's Office
