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Sheriff’s Deputy Attacked by Violent Suspect, Officer Involved Shooting
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, December 13th, 2010
 John Steven Atkinson Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Traci Salmon was violently attacked Friday morning after responding to a 911 hang-up call in the 4900 block of Casitas Pass Road. When Deputy Salmon arrived at the location, the circumstances of what prompted the 911 call were unknown. The Sheriff’s Communications Center attempted to obtain further details by calling back to the residence, but could not get information from anyone inside. When Deputy Salmon approached the front door she was immediately attacked by 32-year-old John Steven Atkinson and a very violent struggle ensued. Atkinson assaulted Deputy Salmon and was able to gain control of her Taser. Atkinson then tazed Deputy Salmon in the upper body. Deputy Salmon fired her service weapon striking Atkinson in the lower extremity. Atkinson continued fighting with Deputy Salmon until she eventually was able to withdraw from the residence and call for backup. Atkinson armed himself with a firearm and remained inside the residence as additional deputies and other law enforcement officers arrived. The incident came to an end at approximately 11:30 am when Atkinson exited the residence and surrendered. Other adults inside the residence were uninjured. The incident prompted a multi-agency response that included the California Department of Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department and Ventura Police Department. The Ventura County Sheriff’s response included personnel from the Air Unit, SWAT Team, Negotiations Unit, Deputy Salmon, 31, has been employed as a deputy sheriff for five years and previously served in Iraq as a member of the United States Army. She was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Deputy Salmon was later released. Steven Atkinson was arrested and transported to VCMC where he was treated for his injuries. Atkinson was later released from the hospital and booked into the Ventura County Jail for Attempted Murder on a Peace Officer and the Taking of a Peace Officer’s Weapon. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.00. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau is investigating the incident. Date & Time: December 10, 2010 @ approximately 10:00 a.m. |
