Red Bluff California Highway Patrol officer shot, gunman dead
Stand-off ends with discovery of man's body
By GEOFF JOHNSON & RICH GREENE-DN Staff Writers
Updated: 12/03/2008 08:13:54 AM PST
Click photo to enlargeMembers of the Shasta County SWAT team prepare to move in on a Reno Avenue... ( Ty Barbour )«12»GERBER - A Red Bluff California Highway Patrol officer was shot in the leg Tuesday morning while assisting Tehama County Sheriff's officers in responding to a domestic disturbance report.
The call turned into an eight-hour stand-off after a man reportedly opened fire on officers as they approached the Reno Avenue house around 10:30 a.m.
The officer, David Madrigal, was listed in serious condition after being airlifted to Redding's Mercy Medical Center, according to hospital spokesman Michael Burke.
Madrigal was out of surgery with a good prognosis by Tuesday evening, said Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker.
Around 7:30 p.m. a remote infrared camera was sent into the home and discovered a body, believed to be the gunman, on the floor of the kitchen, Parker said.
A doctor was brought in to examine the body, which had sustained gunshot wounds, and declared the man dead, Parker said. It was not clear whether the wounds were self-inflicted or the result of officers returning fire.
Parker said the suspect, James E. Long, 60, became violent after having an argument with Jean Bradley over her turning off his Internet access. Long began throwing items around the house and Bradley called police.
The two have lived together for about 14 years, according to Susan Mabe, who describes herself as Bradley's best friend. Mabe said Long's behavior and temper have been escalating in recent months. "He blames her for everything," she said.
Parker said law enforcement was unaware whether Long suffered injury during the initial exchange of gunfire.
Long does have access to a number of firearms, including rifles and shotguns, TCSD Captain Paul Hosler said.
Upon entering the home, officers found guns lining many windows of the home leading them to believe Long was prepared for an assault, Parker said.
Law enforcement presence was estimated at more than 50 officers with numerous vehicles and a Shasta County SWAT team on scene. Helicopters surveyed the area throughout the afternoon. Attempts to drive Long out of the residence using a concussion grenade and loud speakers were unsuccessful. Later deployment of a dozen tear gas canisters over a 45-minute span also failed to get a reaction from Long.
Access to the residence was blocked off for a half-mile in either direction and law enforcement ordered lights, which were used when the situation went into the evening.
Bradley and Long's father escaped the residence following the shooting and other residents nearby were evacuated.
Officials at Gerber Union Elementary School, a mile from the home, placed the school in a voluntary lock down shortly after the incident. School was later dismissed at the normal time and all students were taken by bus to their homes to be met by parents.
The residence is described as a 2,000-square-foot modular farm house on a 13-acre plot. A number of horses are also on the property.
Mabe described Long as a survivalist and said he subscribes to magazines targeted at survivalists. Neighbors said Long's son committed suicide more than 10 years ago.
"I don't think he has anything to lose," Mabe said.
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Stand-off ends with discovery of man's body
By GEOFF JOHNSON & RICH GREENE-DN Staff Writers
Updated: 12/03/2008 08:13:54 AM PST
Click photo to enlargeMembers of the Shasta County SWAT team prepare to move in on a Reno Avenue... ( Ty Barbour )«12»GERBER - A Red Bluff California Highway Patrol officer was shot in the leg Tuesday morning while assisting Tehama County Sheriff's officers in responding to a domestic disturbance report.
The call turned into an eight-hour stand-off after a man reportedly opened fire on officers as they approached the Reno Avenue house around 10:30 a.m.
The officer, David Madrigal, was listed in serious condition after being airlifted to Redding's Mercy Medical Center, according to hospital spokesman Michael Burke.
Madrigal was out of surgery with a good prognosis by Tuesday evening, said Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker.
Around 7:30 p.m. a remote infrared camera was sent into the home and discovered a body, believed to be the gunman, on the floor of the kitchen, Parker said.
A doctor was brought in to examine the body, which had sustained gunshot wounds, and declared the man dead, Parker said. It was not clear whether the wounds were self-inflicted or the result of officers returning fire.
Parker said the suspect, James E. Long, 60, became violent after having an argument with Jean Bradley over her turning off his Internet access. Long began throwing items around the house and Bradley called police.
The two have lived together for about 14 years, according to Susan Mabe, who describes herself as Bradley's best friend. Mabe said Long's behavior and temper have been escalating in recent months. "He blames her for everything," she said.
Parker said law enforcement was unaware whether Long suffered injury during the initial exchange of gunfire.
Long does have access to a number of firearms, including rifles and shotguns, TCSD Captain Paul Hosler said.
Upon entering the home, officers found guns lining many windows of the home leading them to believe Long was prepared for an assault, Parker said.
Law enforcement presence was estimated at more than 50 officers with numerous vehicles and a Shasta County SWAT team on scene. Helicopters surveyed the area throughout the afternoon. Attempts to drive Long out of the residence using a concussion grenade and loud speakers were unsuccessful. Later deployment of a dozen tear gas canisters over a 45-minute span also failed to get a reaction from Long.
Access to the residence was blocked off for a half-mile in either direction and law enforcement ordered lights, which were used when the situation went into the evening.
Bradley and Long's father escaped the residence following the shooting and other residents nearby were evacuated.
Officials at Gerber Union Elementary School, a mile from the home, placed the school in a voluntary lock down shortly after the incident. School was later dismissed at the normal time and all students were taken by bus to their homes to be met by parents.
The residence is described as a 2,000-square-foot modular farm house on a 13-acre plot. A number of horses are also on the property.
Mabe described Long as a survivalist and said he subscribes to magazines targeted at survivalists. Neighbors said Long's son committed suicide more than 10 years ago.
"I don't think he has anything to lose," Mabe said.
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