Murder Suspect Reportedly Dead Following Officer-Involved Shooting in Madera County
An intense manhunt ended in an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 28-year-old suspect, Brandunn Wilson, who was wanted in connection with the recent homicide of Adrian Reyes on March 12.
According to a press release, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office investigators spotted Wilson leaving a residence in Friant on March 27, and he quickly fled the scene at high speeds when they attempted to detain him. A pursuit ensued, with Fresno County Sheriff’s Eagle One providing air support, and Wilson’s vehicle reached speeds of over 110 MPH before he abandoned the car and fled on foot into a remote area near Mammoth Pool Road above North Fork.
The Madera County Regional SWAT team responded, and a shelter-in-place was issued for residents in the area. Despite the challenging terrain, the Eagle One helicopter tracked Wilson’s movements and coordinated ground units to his location. After over three hours of searching, Wilson was located, and an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in his death at the scene.
As per standard protocol, the criminal investigation of the officer-involved shooting has been turned over to the Madera Police Department, and the Madera County District Attorney’s Office will review the incident. An internal administrative investigation will also be conducted, and all those involved will be placed on administrative leave.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is currently urging anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Madera Police Department at (559) 675-4241. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).
The incident caused a brief lockdown of local schools as a precautionary measure as Wilson fled through the area. The Sheriff’s Office has expressed its gratitude to its partners at the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, and Madera County Regional SWAT team for their assistance and support during the manhunt.
As this is an ongoing investigation, the level of information that can be provided at this time is limited.
