Deputy Sheriff Joel Brian Wahlenmaier

Joel Brian Wahlenmaier

Deputy Sheriff Joel Wahlenmaier was shot and killed as he and another deputy assisted officers from the California Fire Marshal's Office serve a warrant on a suspected arsonist in Minkler, California.

As the deputies and officers entered the suspect's mobile home the man opened fire on them, fatally wounding Deputy Wahlenmaier and wounding a second deputy.

Police Officer Javier Bejar, of the Reedley Police Department, responded to the report of an officer down. He was shot and critically wounded during a standoff with the suspect. He died from his wounds four days later.

The suspect was found dead inside the home after a standoff that lasted several hours.

Deputy Wahlenmaier had served with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and parents.