MADERA - A Madera County Sheriff’s Office Detective requested backup last Wednesday from patrol deputies in an attempt to contact 29-year-old Madera County resident Artemio Mondragon Alfaro after he was spotted in the area of Avenue 9 and Road 24. The six-foot four-inch, 250-pound suspect was wanted for questioning on robbery and violating a domestic violence protective order charges. He also had active felony warrants for domestic violence and violating his probation.
Two patrol deputies and a K-9 Deputy responded to the area and spotted Alfaro driving a grey Ford pickup truck. The deputies attempted a traffic stop and a pursuit ensued. A Fresno County Sheriff’s Office aircraft responded and assisted by monitoring the pursuit and providing overhead observation.
When speeds reached more than 100 miles per hour, pursuing deputies backed off and lost visual contact with the fleeing truck. Deputies stayed in contact with the aircraft personnel, who followed Alfaro.
Alfaro parked and got out of the truck behind a residence near Avenue 6 and Road 20. A deputy soon arrived on the scene and spotted Alfaro, running back toward the truck.
An altercation occurred and the K-9 officer was deployed, the suspect was also tased by another deputy, as well as physical control methods and verbal commands. According to Madera County Sheriff Public Information Officer Sarah Jackson, “All in an attempt to gain compliance from Alfaro and extract him from the truck.”
During the altercation, two more deputies arrived on the scene to assist. Alfaro began to accelerate the truck and struck a deputy with the vehicle. A deputy fired his weapon, striking Alfaro. Deputies performed CPR and attempted life-saving measures until relieved by emergency medical personnel. Alfaro was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deputies and the K-9 were not seriously injured during the incident.
The Madera Police Department is handling the shooting investigation. Jackson added, “Our goal is always to resolve incidents as peaceably as possible. We empathize with the family of Mr. Alfaro and will continue to protect the rights and safety of all citizens in Madera County.”
This is the Madera County Sheriff Department's second officer invlved shooting in a month. The first taking place in Oakhurst on March 26, 2020.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who may have been in the area and possibly witnessed anything to contact our office at (559)675-7770. Tips may also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Anonymous tips may be made through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559)498-STOP (7867), or by texting “TipMaderaSO” followed by your message to 888777.
