Fish and Game Warden

Department of Fish and Wildlife

10/15/2003

Special Act Award (Gold)

On October 15, 2003, California Department of Fish and Game Warden Matthew B. Shanley performed an act of heroism at risk to this personal safety to apprehend an armed robbery suspect. At approximately 7:45 p.m., in Loma Linda, California, an armed male suspect stole a wallet from inside a parked vehicle and fled on foot. The victim pursued the suspect and was shot at by the suspect. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer was alerted by the victim of the theft and shooting. The officer pursued the suspect, who ran across the street where off-duty Fish and Game Warden Shanley was placing an order in the drive-thru lane of a restaurant. The suspect approached the driver side window of Warden Shanley’s vehicle, pointed a loaded handgun to his head and ordered Warden Shanley out. Complying with the suspect’s demand, Warden Shanley started to exit the vehicle. At that time, Warden Shanley saw the suspect raise and point his weapon at the CHP officer and fire what he thought to be one or two shots. Warden Shanley took this opportunity to grab the suspect’s gun hand and tackle him. A struggle ensured and at one point, the suspect pointed his weapon at the stomach area of Warden Shanley. The CHP officer to discharged his weapon to end the threat to Wardens Shanley’s life, and quite possible his own. The suspect later died of his wounds at Loma Linda Hospital. Although Warden Shanley was off-duty at the time of the incident, he did not hesitate in taking the first opportunity to subdue the suspect, even when doing so put his own life at extreme risk. Warden Shanley put his concern for the safety of the CHP officer, the victim, and everyone else that could have fallen victim to the armed suspect before his own. Had he not acted in such a clear, capable, and selfless manner, additional injuries and possible fatalities could have occurred.