Mendocino County man arrested on suspicion of assault with a firearm, criminal threats
Originally published 6-7-22
by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office:
“On 06/06/2022 at approximately 11:02 P.M., deputies were dispatched to the 8400 block of Flynn Creek Road in Comptche, CA for a subject causing a disturbance. The subject was reportedly yelling, discharging a firearm, and operating an ATV on the roadway.
During their response, deputies received an additional call for service for an arson in the 36000 block of Comptche Ukiah Road in Comptche, CA. Deputies first arrived at this location and observed fire personnel on scene and in the process of extinguishing a fully-engulfed trailer fire.
While on scene, deputies received information that Michael McSorley was suspect to the arson and suspect to an unreported assault that occurred at the same location on 06/03/2022. Deputies learned the victim, a 36 year-old male from Comptche, CA, was confronted by McSorley in the early morning of 06/03/2022 and McSorley was reportedly armed with what was described as an “AR-15 style” rifle.
Deputies learned that McSorley struck the victim multiple times with his hands and feet, aimed the rifle at the victim, and discharged the rifle several times near the victim’s head and threatened to kill him. Deputies observed the victim had injuries consistent with an assault.
Deputies also developed information to suggest McSorley was the same subject causing the disturbance on Flynn Creek Road. Deputies caused a reverse 9-1-1 and Nixle alert to be issued and advised residents in the surrounding area to shelter in place while deputies attempted to locate the subject, believed to be McSorley. The shelter in place was eventually rescinded following their unsuccessful efforts in locating the subject.
On 06/07/2022 at approximately 08:30 a.m., deputies developed information that McSorley was currently inside his residence located in the 8500 block of Flynn Creek Road in Comptche, CA. Deputies responded to McSorley’s residence in attempt to arrest him. Because of McSorley’s refusal to respond to commands to peacefully exit the residence and the belief McSorley was armed, the Mendocino County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was called to respond.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., McSorley was taken into custody at his residence without incident by the Mendocino County SWAT Team. McSorley was ultimately transported to the Mendocino County Jail where he was booked on charges of criminal threats (422 PC) and assault with a firearm (245(a)(2) PC). Deputies contacted a Mendocino County Superior Court Magistrate who approved a request to increase McSorley’s bail, which was set at $250,000.
The fire that occurred in the 36000 block of Comptche Ukiah Road is being investigated as an arson and is still currently under investigation.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and the California Highway Patrol for their response and assistance during this incident. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the Comptche Volunteer Fire Department and several Comptche residents for the assistance they provided.”
