Armed suspect at large in Madera, sheriff’s office warns. Residents asked to stay inside

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office issued an emergency shelter-in-place order Thursday night for parts of the county because of an armed suspect who’s at large.

The Sheriff’s Office advised residents near Road 25 and Ingomar Drive, and Avenue 18 1/2- 18 1/4 to Burgundy Road to lock your doors and turn off your lights.

The shelter-in-place order was issued around 7 p.m. Thursday and lifted around 11:30 p.m.

“The suspect in this evening’s shooting remains at large, however, we have reason to believe he is no longer in the area based on video footage submitted to detectives,” the sheriff’s office reported on social media.

“The preliminary investigation indicates this was an isolated incident, and we do not believe there is any further danger to the public at large.”

The armed suspect was described as a Black male adult, about 5 feet, 8 inches and weighs between 150 to 180 pounds. He had shoulder length dreadlocks and was wearing red shorts.

The suspect was armed with a rifle.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity is asked to call 911.

This story was originally published March 10, 2022 at 7:53 PM.