Monterey County deputies arrest alleged gunman near Nacimiento-Fergusson

Monterey County Sheriffs officials caught the suspect, they say shot a U.S. Forest Service Division Chief.

25-year-old Jacob Thomas Kirkendall of Santa Cruz has been arrested for attempted murder along Nacimiento-Fergusson road Monday evening.

Despite being shot, the Division Chief was able to relay a description of Kirkendall and a description of his vehicle. Kirkendall was driving a red truck. Fort Hunter Police, Monterey County Sheriff’s and CHP all responded.

According to the Division Chief’s wife, he is okay and was transported to the hospital to have a buckshot removed from his neck and ear.

According to the Sheriffs Office, there were also two deputies involved, and both are on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

Shots were fired around 5:15 p.m. when Monterey County officials began pursuing the shooter. A helicopter assisted in the search and Kirkendall was eventually caught on San Miguelito Loop around 6:30 p.m. Officials retrieved the gun and EMS was ordered, as well as a life-flight.

The Division Chief’s wife issued a statement saying, “Tonight my husband was shot while returning to his duty station by someone on the forest with a shotgun. I don’t have many details but Peter Harris is okay and is going to the hospital to have buckshot removed from his neck and ear. The suspect is in custody and has sustained injuries but is being transported to a hospital as well for medical treatment. All of this took place tonight in Monterey County. We appreciate your loving thoughts, warm wishes and prayers. At this time we’d appreciate a little privacy while we sort this out. Thank You.”

This isn’t the first time Kirkendall made the news. Back in 2009, the Aptos High student was severely injured by a downed power line as he tried to put out a fire. Kirkendall’s parents documented the accident in a blog called Jacobs Journey.

Two charges were filed against Kirkendall, assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm enhancement and shooting at an occupied vehicle, both felonies.

Kirkendall’s preliminary hearing will be on December 22 at 10 a.m. The investigation is ongoing and may result in more charges according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.