MODESTO – An officer with the Modesto Police Department was critically injured when a suspect opened fire late Saturday night.
At about 10:00pm an officer witnessed a reckless motorcyclist near West Orangeburg and Enslen Avenues. The rider fled as the officer tried to stop him. With assistance from the Stanislaus County Sheriff helicopter, the motorcyclist was located on the 3100 block of East Orangeburg Avenue.
Officers took the rider into custody as he exited a home and surrendered. He was found with drugs that police believed were for sale. Based on their discovery, officers obtained a search warrant for the house.
When officers began to search the home a man inside opened fire. One of the officers was injured, but they returned fire injuring the shooter.
Surrounding allied law enforcement agencies responded to the officer down call to assist.
Both the officer and suspect were transported to a hospital. The suspect was treated for minor injuries and released to authorities. He was expected to be charged with weapons violations and attempted murder of a police officer. The officer was listed in critical condition, but stable.
Orangeburg Avenue was closed between Lakewood Avenue and Albert Drive for the investigation.
Authorities said the investigation was ongoing and would release more information as it became available.
