CHP officer wounded answering violence call

The Associated Press
Posted: 12/02/2008 05:37:15 PM PST


GERBER, Calif.—The man suspected of shooting a California Highway Patrol officer in Northern California before a standoff with police was found dead Tuesday, authorities said.
Police found the body of 60-year-old James Long was found on the kitchen floor of the house where he had barricaded himself in Tehama County with a gunshot wound, Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker said.

Parker said Long had set up rifles and shotguns with stacks of loaded magazines at windows around the house.

The incident began when police received a call of a domestic disturbance from a woman in the town of Gerber, according to Parker. The woman—with whom Long was apparently living—said Long became angry and began breaking things after learning she had unplugged the Internet.

Officer David Madrigal was hit in the knee as police responded to the call. He was listed in serious condition Tuesday at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. Parker said he underwent surgery and was expected to recover.

Police unsuccessfully tried to make contact with Parker all day using a land line, cell phone and loud speaker, Parker said.

He said police also used tear gas in an effort to get Long out.

Eventually, authorities sent a camera into the house that revealed a pair of lifeless legs in the kitchen, Parker said. Officers went in to find Long deceased.

Police are investigating whether Long was hit by an officer's bullet or shot himself.