The Calaveras County sheriff’s department says their investigation shows that Detective Rick DiBasilo was hit by ricocheting metal fragments from shots fired by his partner Detective Wade Whitney.
The shooting happened yesterday when the two detectives tried to stop a white Camaro they believed was driven by John Pahner who was wanted for two outstanding arrest warrants involving felony probation violation.
When Detective DiBasilo, a six-year-veteran of the force, approached the car, the driver allegedly hit the gas, dragging the detective.
That’s when Detective Whitney, fearing for his partner’s life, fired at the driver hitting the suspect multiple times. The sheriff’s department says it was one of those bullets that hit Detective DiBasilo in the shoulder.
He was transported to Mark Twain Hospital in San Andreas, and was released Wednesday evening.
It turns out, the man in the white Camaro was not Pahner, but 29-year-old Michael Thompson of Mokelemne Hill. He was transported to Modesto Memorial Hospital and is listed in serious condition. During their investigation of the shooting, deputies discovered the white Camara was stolen and Thompson has a long criminal record.
The District Attorney is reviewing the case to see if Thompson will be charged.
