Authorities have identified the gunman who was killed in a shootout that also claimed the life of a Marysville police officer during the execution of a search warrant.
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The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect was 60-year-old Rick David Oliver of Olivehurst.
The deadly exchange of gunfire occurred on Wednesday morning when a SWAT team was serving a search warrant on Kestrel Court as part of a larger investigation into drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes.
During the operation, Officer Osmar Rodarte, 25, was fatally shot. Law enforcement officers returned fire, killing Oliver at the scene, according to officials.
The Yuba County District Attorney’s Office stated that due to the complexity of the case, it may take months before further details regarding the shootout are released.
Rodarte’s death has deeply impacted the Marysville community, prompting an outpouring of support for the Marysville Police Department.
On Thursday, a law enforcement procession escorted Rodarte’s body to Placer County for an autopsy. Community members lined the streets to pay tribute to the fallen officer.
Court records reveal that Oliver had an extensive criminal history. In the past year, he had pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, resulting in the victim becoming pregnant.
Although the crime was not committed by force, Yuba County District Attorney Pat McGrath noted that Oliver was facing a recommended sentence of four years and four months in state prison.
Oliver had been scheduled for sentencing on August 15 but failed to appear in court. He had previously sought probation, but authorities issued an arrest warrant after his absence.
Law enforcement, with the assistance of the FBI and a bail bond agency, located and arrested Oliver in Douglas County, Nevada, on February 17.
Oliver was subsequently arraigned in Yuba County Superior Court, and further legal proceedings were scheduled for Friday, during which a sentencing date may have been set.
Due to his failure to appear in court, Oliver was facing an increased potential sentence of up to eight years.
Because of the severity of his conviction, Oliver was required to serve his sentence in a state prison rather than a county facility under California’s prison realignment laws.
His criminal record also included prior convictions for drug possession and driving under the influence.
The investigation into the events leading up to the fatal shootout remains ongoing.