Valley Springs Shooting Update

Valley Springs, CA – Calaveras County Sheriff’s Officials say Deputy, Josh Shemenski, a 5-year veteran, was involved in the shooting. They say he has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in these types of incidents.

On Sunday, July 1, just after midnight, Deputy Shemenski was responding to a disturbance call in the 30 block of Pelican Place. When he pulled up to the residence, 26-year-old Michael Garner Ward pointed a shotgun towards the patrol car. Sheriff’s Officials say fearing for his safety Shemenski, while still in his car, fired two shots through his windshield at Ward, but did not hit him.

A witness then disarmed Ward and helped the deputy take him into custody.

Sheriff’s officials say Ward was intoxicated. He was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon against a Peace Officer. They say other charges may be pending.

Ward’s shotgun was recovered at the scene and confiscated as evidence.

Shemenski received some minor ear injuries from shooting within a confined space (patrol vehicle) and was treated and released from Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital.