Mariposa shootout: Deputy ‘ambushed’ while serving restraining order, shoots suspect
A Mariposa County Sheriff’s deputy and a Mariposa resident exchanged gunfire Friday night as deputies attempted to serve an out-of-state restraining order, the sheriff’s office reported.
The suspect, Douglas Popke, was taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m. after deputies searched for him for hours, the sheriff’s office reported.
The deputy tried to serve a temporary restraining order at a home on Dawn Road near Buckeye Road. Popke “ambushed” the deputy with a rifle, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy returned fire and hit Popke at least once.
Suspect fled; manhunt ensued
Popke fled the area and remained at large for several hours. Additional residents inside the home were moved to a safer location while law enforcement searched for Popke. The sheriff’s office asked residents to avoid the area, shelter in place and call 911 if they saw anyone outside their homes.
The sheriff’s office responded heavily armed to the scene. Photos posted to Facebook showed deputies wearing tactical gear and an armored vehicle at the scene.
No other information about Popke or the warrant was available.
This story was originally published August 29, 2020 at 9:28 AM.