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'Facts Will Speak For Themselves' In Turlock Officer-Involved Shooting Says Sheriff

TURLOCK (CBS13) - The Merced County sheriff didn't hold back when talking about the suspect involved in Saturday's shootout.

That shooting left a Turlock officer wounded and the suspect dead.

"I'm sorry what happened, not our fault, okay. It is what it is, and the facts will speak for themselves," said Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin.

Pazin is blunt and matter of fact talking about the events that left a suspect dead and a Turlock police officer wounded.

"We've had a rather wicked weekend here in Merced County," said Pazin.

Pazin says Turlock police ended the life of 29-year-old Joseph Davis after they say he led them on a chase. Eventually he tried to carjack another driver on Bradbury Road and Highway 99.

"There was a shot fired, and this is when Turlock officers did engage," said Pazin.

Three officers opened fire, including Turlock police Corporal Dave Shaw.

Whether it was another officer or the suspect that struck the nine year veteran is still unknown.

"He's home resting now, and the first thing Dave mentioned to me when I visited him at the hospital is he was asking how his officers were," said Chief Robert Jackson, Turlock Police Department.

Davis, described as a parolee at large, had been wanted after allegedly running from police earlier this week.

"This pernicious evil person that's been in and out of jail since 2001," said Pazin.

Pazin Sunday promised a full investigation, but also made bold statements based on what he's already learned.

"It's unfortunate what happened, but you know pretty well you dictate how your life is going to come about, and this is exactly what he did," said Pazin.

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