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Mariposa County Deputy Shot Twice By Suspect

MERCED (CBS13) – Authorities say a deputy was shot twice during a shootout with a suspect.

The incident happened just south of Mariposa along Highway 49. According to the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office, a deputy started chasing a suspect around 6 a.m. Thursday who was driving erratically down the freeway.

At some point during the chase, the suspect – identified as Merced resident Brian Ballasch – crashed his car. Ballasch then got out the car and confronted the deputy.

The confrontation escalated when Ballasch allegedly pulled out a .45 caliber pistol and shot at the deputy. The deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect, but not before he was hit in the face and torso.

Authorities say the suspect has been taken into custody and is being treated for his wound. The deputy has been taken to a hospital and his condition has not been released.

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