Sutter, California

From the Marysville Appeal-Democrat of December 23, 2005

Two held after Sutter chase

Sutter County sheriff's deputies arrested two suspects who allegedly beat a man with his own shotgun after he allegedly caught them trying to steal his snowmobiles early Thursday, an official said.

Deputies responded at 2:42 a.m. to a report of a theft in progress in the 8100 block of Marshall Street in Sutter, said Undersheriff Bill Grove.

The victim heard the suspects trying to steal two snowmobiles on a trailer and held them at gunpoint. One of the suspects was able to take control of the gun, said Grove.

The victim was struck several times in the face, including one blow with the butt of the gun. The suspects fled with the weapon.

Grove declined to name the victim because an investigation was underway. The injuries were not life-threatening, he said.

A short time later, a deputy patrolling near Butte House and Tharp roads saw the suspects' vehicle and started a pursuit.

The two men abandoned the vehicle at Poole Boulevard and Tharp Road, fleeing on foot.

Deputies, aided by Yuba City police officers and search dogs, surrounded the area.

The dogs found William Jerrett Faunce, 26, of Brownsville, hiding behind the Walgreens Store at Highway 20 and Tharp Road.

The other suspect, Michael William Ginn, 25, of Linda, was found nearby.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of robbery, grand theft, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of stolen property, conspiracy and possession of less than ounce of marijuana.

They were booked into Sutter County Jail, said Grove. Bail for each was set at $40,000.

Sarah Brady's predictions notwithstanding, news accounts of this kind of incident are extremely rare.