WOODLAKE, Calif. — Authorities are investigating a violent chain of events that ended in an officer-involved shooting on Sunday, September 7, 2025, leaving a Reedley man dead after an hours-long search and pursuit. the incident began when 43-year-old Michael Rocha of Reedley was involved in a domestic altercation with his wife. According to investigators, the situation escalated when Rocha opened fire, shooting his wife multiple times in front of their children and other family members. She was rushed to the hospital, and her current condition has not been released.
Following the shooting, Rocha fled the scene in a Chevy truck, sparking an urgent manhunt. With an arrest warrant issued, law enforcement agencies across Tulare County were placed on high alert.
On the morning of September 7, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., Rocha’s vehicle was spotted in the Woodlake area. Deputies from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) responded immediately and began searching the area for him.
By around 1 p.m., deputies located Rocha and attempted to stop him, but he refused to surrender, leading to a pursuit through rural Woodlake. During the chase, Rocha reportedly fired a rifle at deputies, forcing law enforcement to take defensive positions while continuing to pursue him.
The pursuit came to an end near Road 222 and Avenue 340, just outside Woodlake. After stopping his truck, Rocha exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing multiple rounds directly at deputies. In response, deputies returned fire, striking Rocha. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
No deputies were reported injured during the exchange of gunfire.
The Visalia Police Department has taken over the officer-involved shooting investigation, as is standard protocol to ensure transparency and impartiality. Meanwhile, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the domestic violence shooting that triggered the chain of events.
The shocking incident has left the Reedley and Woodlake communities shaken, particularly as Rocha’s actions unfolded in front of family members, including his children. Authorities have not released further information about the condition of Rocha’s wife, who remains hospitalized.
Officials are expected to release additional details as the investigation develops, including updates on the victim’s recovery and the deputies’ actions during the shootout.
Anyone with information about Rocha’s activities prior to the shootings is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
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