Murphys man is accused of shooting at deputies responding to domestic violence call
A Murphys man faces attempted murder and other charges after exchanging gunfire with deputies responding to a domestic violence call, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Alexander Koorkoff, 48, was arrested after a standoff that started at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday on the 4000 block of El Camino Casale Road, a news release said. It provided these further details:
The first deputies to arrive saw Koorkoff armed with a shotgun in a house, so a perimeter was set up and contact was made with him. A female then left the house while the man pointed the gun at her.
Deputies tried by phone numerous times to get Koorkoff to surrender, but he continually threatened to shoot them. The sheriff’s office deployed its SWAT and crisis negotiation teams. It also got help on the scene from the Angels Camp Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Negotiations with Koorkoff continued through the night. SWAT officers then used a “less than lethal law enforcement product” to try to get him into custody, but he fired “multiple” shotgun rounds at deputies. They returned fire. Koorkoff left via the garage with his hands up but still refused to comply.
He then lifted his shirt to display a handgun and made several “sudden and quick movements” with his hands toward the gun and asked officers to shoot him. Deputies continued to use “less than lethal” measures and re-established phone contact. Koorkoff then exited the house and was arrested “after a short struggle.”
Details on the “less than lethal” methods are not being released, sheriff’s Lt. Anthony Eberhardt said later by phone.
Koorkoff was taken to a local hospital for treatment of medical issues not related to the standoff, the release said. He was booked Monday into Calaveras County Jail on charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, spousal abuse, resisting arrest and brandishing a firearm.
No injuries were reported in the gunfire exchange, but the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave, a standard protocol. The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office will review the deputies’ actions.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 7:27 AM.
