The State - News from Aug. 25, 1987

Authorities in Tuolumne County said a 24-year-old man was shot to death by a Highway Patrol officer moments after he shot and wounded a police officer. Sonora Police Chief Ralph Hamilton said Wayne Wrightman of Poway had been admitted to the emergency room at Sonora Community Hospital for treatment of drug intoxication after taking part in the 20th anniversary of the “Summer of Love” at Angels Camp. He tried to walk out, resisting efforts of a nurse and Sonora Police Officer Glen Roberts to restrain him, Hamilton said. Roberts called CHP Officer Larry Leonard for help, and the officers scuffled with Wrightman, who was able to grab Roberts’ pistol and fire it twice, wounding the officer in both hands, Hamilton said. Leonard drew his own weapon, Hamilton said, and fired a single shot that struck Wrightman in the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.