A man shot and killed by a Shasta County Sheriff's deputy during a struggle with another deputy along Interstate 5 Tuesday night has been identified by Redding police as James Thomas Jobe, 26, of Redding.
Jobe had an extensive arrest history in Shasta County for drug and weapons-related offenses, according to a Redding Police Department news release. Police said their records indicate that Jobe was arrested eight times in the past 15 months.
Redding police, the lead agency in the in the investigation into the fatal shooting, said the incident began shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday. A deputy saw a traffic violation committed by the driver of a pickup near Cascade Boulevard and Oasis Road, along I-5.
As the driver slowed to a stop, a passenger, later identified as Jobe, bolted from the pickup and ran toward the freeway. The deputy remained with this squad car and broadcast a description of the running man to other law enforcement officers.
The man ran across the freeway near the Oasis Road overpass and was spotted by another deputy running northbound along I-5. The deputy caught up with the man and "a violent struggle ensued where the suspect attempted to gain control of the deputy's gun and baton," according to a police news release.
Another deputy arrived to render help. He shot the suspect to end the struggle.
Jobe was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said investigators located narcotics and a hat that Jobe discarded when he fled the vehicle near southbound I-5.
The driver and registered owner of the pickup was identified as Elizabeth Theresa Couts, 47, of Burney. Police said she cooperated with investigators and was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant. She later was released on her written promise to appear in court.
The deputy involved in the struggle was taken to a hospital, where he was treated head trauma and was later released.
Officials said the deputies, whose names have not been released, have been placed on paid administrative leave.
Bee stafff writer Cathy Locke contributed to this report.
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