Deputy struck in the head following shooting

An Imperial County Sheriff’s Office deputy was flown to a hospital after he was struck in the head by an unknown object, according to the City of Holtville.

ICSO has identified the suspect as Alex Padilla, 38.

City officials said th e incident involved the deputy and an individual he had contacted for suspected criminal activity on Wednesday night. Gunshots were fired. Neither party was struck by the gunfire, however the deputy was injured in the scuffle when the individual struck him in the head with an unknown object.

Padilla left the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter and put in custody. The deputy was lucid and stable, but life-flighted out for treatment in exercising abundant caution.

The incident happened near 9th Street and Holt Road in Holtville Wednesday night.

ICSO confirmed the deputy received an injury to his ear and was flown to Desert Regional.

They also confirmed that the deputy lost control of his weapon during the altercation. That’s when the suspect grabbed it and fired at the deputy.

ICSO also said that the suspect tried to hide inside a church, where there were several parishioners inside, but he was eventually found.

Lt. Jimmy Duran with ICSO said, “He was attempting to conceal himself by pretending he was part of the service. And that’s where we were able to find him.”