Possible Shooting
February 4, 1980
Eight patrol cars from all area law enforcement agencies swarmed into an Alexander Avenue neighborhood early this morning after a Susanville police officer scuffled with a man carrying a rifle. One shot may have been fired at Sgt. Jim Wages.
Police arrested four persons at a 408 Alexander Ave. residence after the fight shortly before 2 a.m. Names and charges sought against those arrested were not available at the scene.
Officers responded to a disturbance complaint at the residence, Wages said, and an altercation began on the street when officers arrived. Wages said he entered the house and attempted to arrest one man but the suspect appeared with a small caliber rifle.
A scuffle was in progress as the officer attempted to disarm and arrest the suspect when the shot may have been fired.
“I heard the gun snap while we were wrestling around,” Wages explained. “Either a shot was fired and missed me, there was a dud shell in the gun or there was no cartridge. I’m really not sure.” He added investigators will examine the rifle.
The ruckus was the second shooting incident officers handled during their night shift yesterday. An alleged shooting led to the arrest of one on Cottage Street at about 6 p.m. (Advocate photo).
