MADERA - An off duty California Highway Patrol officer, driving with his wife in his car, was involved in a late night shooting Sunday in Madera. The shooting occurred in the area of Orchard and University Avenues in Madera's Westside.
The off-duty officer, who's name Madera Police would not release, saw what he believed may be a drunk driver. According to Madera Police Chief Steve Fraizer, the off-duty officer was in his private unmarked vehicle along with his wife when he decided to follow the "suspected" drunk driver's vehicle, after contacting California Highway Patrol dispatch.
According to Madera Police Commander Dino Lawson, "The suspect became very concerned with the Officers actions. In an attempt to stop the Officer from following him the suspect brandished a handgun at him."
When the two vehicles neared the supects home, he made a U-turn in front of the the officer's vehicle and pointed his handgun at the off-duty officer. The Officer exited his vehicle and fired 6 rounds into the driver side of the vehicle the "suspect" was driving. All six bullets missed the suspect.
Four CHP officers arrived on the scene at the same time and removed the "suspect" from the vehicle and handcuffed him. During the removal the suspect's face became severally bruised on both sides and he received injuries to one of his fingers. Madera Police were on scene less than two minutes following the shooting. Lawson said, "The suspect was already out of the vehicle and handcuffed when Madera PD arrived on scene.".
The "suspect", David Romero (51), was found to be in possession of a .40 cal handgun which was registered to him. He was also in possession of a California Concealed Weapons Permit that was issued to him authorizing him to carry the above mentioned handgun concealed on his person. According to Lawson, at no time did Mr. Romero call law enforcement to report that he was being followed or fear for his safety..
Romero was booked into the Madera County Department of Correction for brandishing of a firearm. Mr. Romero was not charged with drunk driving and had a blood alcohol level of only .002. He was released Monday on $25,000 Bail.
During his arrest, Mr. Romero received injuries to his hand as well as bruising to both sides of his face. Neither the CHP officer nor his wife were not harmed in the shooting. Madera Police are investigating the shooting. No charges have been filed against the CHP officer.
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Do you know the name of the off-duty officer? Call BVN at (559) 477-4275
