California Sheriff’s Deputy Shot and Killed Responding to Call

California Sheriff’s Deputy Shot and Killed Responding to Call
El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Ishmael was shot and killed in the line of duty in Somerset, California, on Oct. 23. (Photo: El Dorado County Sheriff's Office)
Alan McDonnell
10/23/2019
Updated:
10/23/2019

Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Ishmael was fatally shot when he responded to a call for service in the hamlet of Somerset, California, some 50 miles east of Sacramento on Oct. 23. Ishmael’s ride-along, a deputy from another county, was also injured during the shooting and is currently recovering after surgery.

Ishmael was responding to the early morning call when the shooting occurred in the area of Sand Ridge Road in Somerset, El Dorado County. Two men have been taken into custody in association with the fatal shooting.

Deputy Ishmael was a 4-year veteran with El Dorado County Sheriff’s office and had previously worked for the Police Department in nearby Placerville.

At a press conference on Oct. 23, El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini said: “Early this morning, we lost one of our heroes. Deputy Brian Ishmael was killed this morning responding to a call for service in the Somerset area. The call for service regarded theft from a marijuana garden at a private residence. Upon arrival Brian immediately came under fire and was shot and killed.”

D'Agostini described how the second deputy in the patrol vehicle returned fire and did his best to save Ishmael, but to no avail. The second deputy is now assisting law enforcement with the investigation while he recovers from his injuries.

“Two people—both Hispanic male adults—have been taken into custody, one of which was shot and taken to the hospital, and his condition is unknown at this time,” said D'Agostini.

“Brian worked in this community and lived in this community. He was personable, easy to talk to, kind and always positive. He never had a bad day. He was a loving father and husband, and he leaves behind his wife and three children.”