Courtesy KBAK
RIDGECREST, CA (KUZZ) — A 41-year-old Ridgecrest man is in critical condition following an officer-involved shooting Thursday morning, according to Ridgecrest Police Chief Mario Ysit.
During a press conference, Ysit said the incident began at approximately 8:28 a.m. on June 18, 2026, when officers conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East California Avenue after a driver allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign.
According to Ysit, the driver became uncooperative during the stop. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and gain the driver’s compliance.
At about 8:35 a.m., officers reported an officer-involved shooting. Ysit said the suspect was armed with a handgun and pointed it in the direction of officers.
The suspect was shot and transported to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Police identified the suspect as 41-year-old Michah Cleary of Ridgecrest. Authorities said Cleary was wanted on an outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon.
Comments