A 39-year-old Pittsburg man has died after he shot an officer, stole a patrol vehicle and crashed in Tehama County on October 15. The Pittsburg man sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the incident before crashing the carjacked vehicle.
Here is what was released by the Tehama County Sheriffs Office & CHP – Northern Division:
On October 15 at around 11:38 AM, a CHP Officer from the CHP Red Bluff Office responded to the area of Southbound I-5, north of Flores Avenue for a report of a disabled motorist.
Shortly after arriving on scene the Officer broadcasted emergency radio traffic that he had been struck by gunfire from a rifle fired by the driver of the disabled vehicle. The driver was later identified as Joseph Michael PATE, a 39-year-old man from Pittsburg, CA.
Tehama County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with allied agencies, including the Red Bluff Police Department, Corning Police Department, CHP, and CalFire immediately began a response to the scene. Prior to Officers arriving on scene, PATE stole the CHP vehicle and fled southbound on Interstate 5.
PATE was believed to have been hit by gunfire when the CHP Officer initially returned fire.
Near the area of Interstate 5, north of Finnell avenue, the stolen CHP vehicle collided with a semi- truck. The semi-truck rolled over onto its side and came to a stop on the West shoulder of the freeway. The stolen CHP vehicle crashed into a field, West of Interstate 5 and caught fire.
PATE was detained at the scene and emergency aid was rendered for multiple gunshot wounds. PATE was transported to Enloe Medical Center; however, despite lifesaving efforts, he was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the semi-truck suffered minor injuries.
The CHP Officer sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive. Additional questions regarding the Officer’s status should be referred to the California Highway Patrol.
The Tehama County Officer Involved Shooting Protocol has been activated and the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into PATE’s actions. The Tehama County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations is conducting an investigation into the Officer’s involvement in the shooting. The California Highway Patrol will also be conducting a separate, internal investigation of the incident.
As the case progresses, Investigators are actively seeking to establish PATE’s motive for his actions during this tragic event.
Anyone with information, or any video recordings of the incident is encouraged to contact the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office investigations unit at 530-529-7920
Recent CHP Articles
- Sept. 14 – CHP Investigating Fatal Crash on San Pablo Dam Road
- Aug 31 – CHP Investigates Fatal Crash on Highway 4 Near Pittsburg
- Aug 30 – CHP Makes Arrest After Pursuit Led to Crash on SR-24 in Lafayette
- Aug 14 – CHP Says Motorcyclist Killed on Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez
4 comments
Nice work CHP!
Sounded like a deranged man who loves his second amendment. This did happen in a red part of the state.
Good, don’t have to worry about a Soros DA and judge releasing him so he can commit more crimes and destruction.
Rip Joey
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