Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Templeton man on two counts of attempted murder, after he allegedly fired several shots at their patrol car.
According to Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Cipolla, at about 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 deputies responded to the 1200 block of S. Main St., a short distance from Templeton High School, for a report of shots heard.
According to Cipolla, the suspect fired at the first patrol car to arrive on scene but did not hit the two deputies in the car.
A second patrol car soon arrived and one of those deputies exchanged gunfire and hit the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Thomas Farrell of Templeton, was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, after deputies administered aid. He was listed in stable condition at the hospital. None of the deputies involved were injured.
Farrell is being charged with two counts of attempted murder. The proximity to the high school had authorities concerned, but “detectives believe this was an isolated incident,” Cipolla said. “There was no connection to Templeton High School and there is no further public safety risk.”
Unfortunately, the deputies involved are going to miss some work. “Per Sheriff’s Office protocol for these types of incidents,” Cipolla said, “all four deputies involved have been place on administrative leave and are required to attend mandatory crisis counseling.”
The incident is being investigated and Cipolla said, “If anyone has information on this incident you are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Detective Division at 805-781-4500.
Unlike many U.S. locales, such officer-involved shootings are rare in SLO County.
