Camino, California – Two sheriff’s deputies and a utility worker were shot Thursday during a tense confrontation in a small Northern California town after authorities responded to reports of gunfire involving a utility crew.
The incident happened in Camino, a foothill community about 50 miles east of Sacramento, when deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home on Mountain View Drive.
Officials say a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) crew member initially reported being shot at while working in the area.
Authorities say the utility crew had been sent to the location to replace a utility pole when the shooting began.
Deputies Encounter Gunfire at the Scene
After receiving the report, sheriff’s deputies and SWAT teams responded to the property and attempted to contact a suspect believed to be inside the home.
According to officials, the situation escalated when deputies came under gunfire.
Authorities say the suspect opened fire on deputies after they arrived at the scene.
During the exchange of gunfire, the suspected shooter was also struck.
Officials have not yet released details about what may have triggered the incident.
Multiple People Hospitalized After Shootout
Authorities confirmed that two deputies, the injured PG&E worker, and the suspected gunman were all transported to nearby hospitals.
Officials said the deputies were listed in stable condition.
The condition of the suspected shooter has not yet been publicly released.
Union officials later confirmed that the injured PG&E worker was also recovering after the shooting.
Investigators have not yet said how many people were part of the PG&E crew at the time of the incident.
Utility Workers Were Replacing a Power Pole
PG&E confirmed that the crew had been working in the area to replace a utility pole when the situation unfolded.
In a statement, the company thanked law enforcement for responding quickly to the emergency.
PG&E said the crew members were performing routine infrastructure work when the incident occurred.
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Utility workers often respond to outages, repairs, and other critical maintenance across communities.
Union Speaks Out After Shooting
Following the incident, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245, which represents many PG&E workers, issued a statement expressing relief that the injured worker survived.
“We’re incredibly relieved that our union brother and fellow crewmember is okay after what must have been a terrifying experience,” the union said.
The union also expressed concern about the growing number of dangerous incidents involving utility workers.
“They should never have to worry about violence from the very people they are there to help,” the statement said.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the shooting.
What are your thoughts on incidents where emergency or utility workers face violence while doing their jobs? Share your views respectfully in the comments.
