FRESNO, California — The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Shot in the line of duty was 10-year veteran, Rudy Mirelez. Deputy Rudy Mirelez is still listed in critical condition in a Modesto hospital where he will undergo many more surgeries on his road to recovery.
On October 1, around 6:00 am, Mariposa County Sheriff Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle due to erratic driving. The pursuit began on Hwy 49 when the Suspect passed a deputy.
The Suspect Brian Ballasch, a white male adult from the Merced area and a USMC Vet suffering from PTSD crashed his vehicle into assisting sheriff units; he then exited his vehicle and after a short verbal exchange started shooting at the four Deputies on scene.
One Deputy a 10-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, Father, Son, Husband and Friend was struck at least twice, once in the face in the mouth area and once in the upper torso. He was flown to Memorial Hospital in Modesto California. He is currently listed in critical condition.The three other Deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is protocol in these types of cases.
Brian Ballasch was struck in the right ear and right elbow with return fire by deputies. He is currently listed in Stable condition. Ballasch is currently being held on attempt murder of a peace officer, he was treated locally before being transferred to another hospital out of the county.
The suspect’s gun is believed to be a .45 caliber pistol.
Deputy Mirelez Family Statement:
“We would like to thank our family at the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office and our extended family at the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for round the clock support for Rudy. The out poring of community support for Rudy has been inspiring and amazing. Rudy’s recovery is our biggest concern and we would like to ask for your continued thoughts and prayers and request that you respect our privacy as we continue to process this tragic event and support our Husband and Father.” Christine Mirelez & Children
