Investigator

Department of Motor Vehicles

1/29/2008

Special Service Award (Silver)

On January 29, 2008, at approximately 2:30 p.m., California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigator Christopher Wagner was working a special undercover assignment with the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (also known as HEAT) task force in a high crime area of Fresno. Mr. Wagner was partnered with a CHP Officer in an unmarked vehicle driving east on Shaw Avenue when the officer recognized the driver of a van traveling in the same direction. The man was wanted for drug violations and was considered to be armed and dangerous. They followed the van, which carried the suspect and three passengers, and called Fresno Police for back-up. The suspect saw he was being followed and began driving erratically. After several blocks, the van pulled into a department store parking lot and parked. The officer and Mr. Wagner pulled in behind the van. Mr. Wagner approached the passenger side, while the officer approached the driver who exited the van. There was a verbal confrontation and the suspect re-entered the van in spite of repeated commands to stop. Fearing the suspect would flee, the officer began to scuffle with him. The suspect then pulled a ten-inch, double-edged knife from his jacket and began swinging in a stabbing motion at the officer. While swinging the knife, the suspect was able to start the van and put it in drive. The van’s forward motion caught the officer off balance causing him to fall to his knees. The officer called out to Mr. Wagner, who was questioning the van’s other passenger for possible narcotics violations. Mr. Wagner ran to the driver’s side of the van to help his partner who was on his knees fighting and struggling with the armed suspect. The suspect then turned the vehicle tires out and put the van in reverse toward the CHP officer. Mr. Wagner recognized the imminent threat to his partner and fired three shots from his firearm, critically wounding the suspect. Mr. Wagner was then able to assist his partner and request additional back-up assistance.

Investigator Wagner’s quick reaction saved his partner from serious bodily injury or possible death.