California Sheriff's Deputy Shot in the Face After Gunman Opens Fire on Police Station

PASO ROBLES, California -- Authorities are searching for a gunman who opened fire in downtown Paso Robles early Wednesday, wounding a deputy.

The San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol responded about 3:45 a.m. to a call that a man was firing shots at a police station in Paso Robles on Park Street. One deputy, who has not been identified, was shot in the face, Sgt. Steve Odom said.

The gunfire occurred over a span of several minutes. After the deputy was wounded, his partner returned fire. It was not clear whether the shooter was struck.

The deputy was taken to a hospital and was in serious but stable condition, said Tony Cipolla, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Department.

The gunman is believed to be in his 20s or 30s, Cipolla said. A more detailed description was not immediately available.

Residents in downtown Paso Robles were being asked to shelter in place as the SWAT team and dozens of law enforcement personnel searched the area.

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