Mariposa County deputy shot in face and chest during vehicle pursuit

A Mariposa County sheriff’s deputy was shot twice Thursday morning after a vehicle pursuit ended in a gun battle, authorities said.

The deputy was shot in the face and in the chest and flown by helicopter to a hospital, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. His condition was not immediately known. The gunman has been arrested.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our deputy and family,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We ask that yours are also.”

Authorities say the gunman, identified as Brian Ballasch, was spotted about 6 a.m. driving erratically.

Deputies tried to stop his vehicle on Highway 49 just south of Mariposa, but he continued driving, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The pursuit ended when Ballasch crashed into patrol cruisers.

After Ballasch exited his vehicle, he got into an argument with deputies and started shooting, authorities said. During the gun battle, the deputy was struck twice, and Ballasch was also hit by gunfire.

Ballasch was taken into custody on suspicion of attempted murder, sheriff’s officials said. He was treated for his injuries.

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