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Man Shot in Drug Raid at Artesia House

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From United Press International

Sheriff’s deputies serving a search warrant on an Artesia house for drug violations shot and wounded a man grabbing for a claw hammer, authorities said Saturday.

Michael Gonzalez, 34, allegedly tried to block deputies from entering a house in the 11900 block of East 169th St. when the shooting occurred about 11:50 p.m. Friday, Deputy Bill Wehner said. He was in good condition at County-USC Medical Center with a wound on his right forearm, Wehner said.

Gonzalez was sitting in the living room of the house when he spotted through an open door nine deputies arriving at the house, Wehner said. He apparently jumped up and rushed to close the door. As deputies managed to keep it open, one officer apparently saw Gonzalez reach for an object, Wehner said. Thinking the object was a gun, the deputy fired once, striking Gonzalez.

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The object was the head of a claw hammer, Wehner said.

Gonzalez and four other males in the house were booked on suspicion of possession of narcotics for sale. Deputies also confiscated one ounce of cocaine.

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