Delhi, California
September 08, 2016
Agencies: Merced County Sheriff's Department - California
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 3 years ago
The names of the two deputies involved in Thursday night’s gunfight have been released.
Deputy Alejandro “Alex” Barba, a 17-year veteran of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, suffered two gunshot wounds; one to his lower abdomen and one to his thigh. He is expected to make a full recovery, Sheriff Vern Warnke said.
The deputy who shot and killed the suspect was Deputy Adam Leuchner, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office for eight years, the sheriff said.
The deputies had been called to the area to investigate a domestic disturbance report. Torres came out of the home on Harmony Ranch Drive with “an assault-like rifle,” and opened fire, striking the deputy at least once.
“He opened fire, the deputies returned fire and killed him,” Warnke said.