UPDATE 8:20 P.M: Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia has issued a statement in connection to the shooting of two Kern County Sheriff's deputies on Sunday.
The Statement reads as follows:
"This afternoon, I received news that every Mayor prays to never get. While reporting to a standoff here in Wasco, one of our brave Kern County Sheriff Deputies was killed-in-action and one other was shot and wounded. Although this remains an ongoing situation, at this time I would like share that my heart goes out to the families of both the deputies. Nothing can prepare us for tragedies such as these. In an instant our lives can change forever. I pray that God surrounds these families with his love and give them the strength to make it through this devastating time. I would also like to take the time to thank all our brothers and sisters in the law enforcement & first responder community who valiantly put their lives on the line every day to protect our residents. I cannot thank you enough for the work you do. May God bless you all!"
UPDATE: According to the Kern County Sheriff's Office, when deputies arrived on the scene the suspect shot at the deputies who were able to take cover.
At around 2:50 p.m., the entire neighborhood was locked down and SWAT was called in to respond. When they arrived, they put together a react team and attempted to make entry into the home where the suspect had taken cover. The suspect then began firing at them from inside the home.
At that point, two deputies were struck. One suffered "moderate to major injuries." Both were taken to a local hospital.
A standoff ensued with the suspect continuing to shoot at deputies and the SWAT team.
At around 6:30, officers shot and struck the suspect. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Officers are still trying to clear the home to determine if there are any more suspects or victims.
The Kern County Sheriff is currently at the hospital where the two deputies were taken. He will hold a press conference Monday morning.
The investigation is ongoing.
UPDATE: According to a press conference held by the Kern County Sheriff's Office on Sunday night at around 6:00 p.m., an officer-involved shooting occurred in Wasco. The suspect was struck and he is currently being treated after being transported to a local hospital.
Two sheriff's deputies were also struck, suffering "moderate to major injuries."
Wasco Mayor Alex Garcia posted a tweet saying one officer killed, but then deleted it. KCSO has not confirmed that a deputy was killed in the shooting.
Two Kern County Sheriff's deputies have been shot. According to KCSO one deputy is suffering with major injuries and one deputy is suffering from moderate injuries.
Kern County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the 1700 block of 1st Street in Wasco just after 1 p.m. for a shots fired call.
Deputies arrived and determined that a shooting took place inside a home. There are people inside the home although deputies don't know who or have any descriptions.
Deputies were shot at and the suspect inside the home is described as an adult male. SWAT is currently on scene.
This is a developing story and updates will be available as details are confirmed with officials.
