Suspect Arrested Following Pursuit and School Lockdown

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office received information that an out-of-county warrant suspect may have recently arrived in the Colfax area.

The Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit and the multi-agency Placer County Special Investigation Unit located the suspect’s vehicle at a rural residence on Alpine Way in Colfax. Information regarding the suspect advised he was to be considered armed and a flight risk from law enforcement due to the warrant. In addition to the specialized teams, the Sheriff’s helicopter, patrol deputies, and deputy school resource officer were all involved in the containment, perimeter, and capture of the suspect.

The suspect emerged from the residence and got into his vehicle. When he realized he was contained on the property, he reversed course and drove around the property in desperation to flee. His vehicle was disabled by law enforcement and taken into custody after a brief flight on foot and struggle. Only minor injuries were received by the suspect as a result of his speed when his car was disabled. The suspect never drove beyond the contained area and never entered a public roadway.

Due to the close proximity of the Colfax High School and the Colfax Elementary School, even though it was outside of the regular school day hours, the Placer County deputy school resource officer was posted on school grounds with school staff. As an abundance of caution, a very brief lock down of the campus occurred for those still remaining on campus for after school activities. The school was never in immediate danger and it was very well protected by the law enforcement on scene.

The suspect is identified as 28 year old Travis Middleton. The warrant was issued from Contra Costa for carrying a loaded firearm in public. As a result of activities during Middleton’s arrest, the district attorney will be reviewing charges for felony reckless evading in a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and a felon in possession of a firearm. Middleton was booked at the Placer County Jail in Auburn.