Bat-Wielding Man Fights K9 & Deputies, Loses

CITY OF SHASTA LAKE, Calif. — A baseball bat-wielding man who had allegedly just attacked his neighbor was taken into custody after first challenging deputies and a K9 to fight and then resisting arrest in City of Shasta Lake Saturday evening, November 7.

Both the victim and alleged suspect were later treated for injuries sustained during the violent encounter, which happened in the 17000 block of Red Bud Lane, just south of Shasta Lake, near Lake Boulevard.

Shasta County sheriff’s deputies assigned to City of Shasta Lake were dispatched to the area around 8:17 p.m., after a man called 911 and reported he had just been assaulted inside his residence by a neighbor, Shasta County Sheriff’s Sergeant K. Bodner later said of the incident and arrest.

While deputies were headed to the scene, SHASCOM emergency dispatchers were updated that the suspect was outside the victim’s residence and threatening harm with a baseball bat, according to Bodner.

Justin Barnes was arrested after assaulting his neighbor and threatening him with a baseball bat in City of Shasta Lake last night. SCSO photo from prior arrest.

When deputies arrived on scene they located and contacted the suspect, since identified as Justin Leon Barnes, 31, who was no longer armed with the baseball bat.

“Deputies ordered Barnes to the ground numerous times in (an) attempt to gain his compliance,” described Bodner; adding, “Barnes immediately began defying orders given to him, challenging deputies to fight, and resisted the deputies’ attempts to bring him into custody.”

As the situation escalated and Barnes continued to defy deputies’ commands, K9 handler Deputy O’Hara deployed his K9 partner “Ace” to assist in taking the violent and resistive man into custody.

“After a struggle, Barnes was apprehended with the help of K9 Ace and taken into custody,” said the sergeant.

“During the struggle, Barnes assaulted both Deputy O’Hara and K9 Ace, but they did not need medical attention for the assault,” Bodner continued.

Following the incident, the victim was treated at an area hospital for unspecified injuries stemming from Barnes’ initial assault.

Barnes was medically cleared at an area hospital and later booked into Shasta County Jail in Redding on suspicion of battery, battery on a peace officer, two counts of harming a police dog, battery with serious bodily injury, resisting arrest with violence and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

Online jail records indicate Barnes remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail or bond.

Anyone with further information regarding this investigation or who witnessed any portion of this incident or arrest and has not yet provided a statement to authorities is encouraged to call SHASCOM at (530) 245-6540. Callers can refer to incident file number 20S035347 and can remain anonymous.