Attempted Homicide

Date Incident: 8 February 2016

Subject: Attempted Homicide
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8 February 2016, at approx. 11:43 am, officers responded to the Lowe’s parking lot (120 Old Wards Ferry Road) for a report of two female assault victims at that location. The females had been attacked by a male subject who was identified as Michael Pierce, a 37 year old transient.

Pierce became involved in an argument with the two female victims on the railroad tracks near Lowe’s, regarding the whereabouts of his vehicle. During the argument Pierce punched one victim in the mouth, then threw her against a tree and punched her in the stomach several times. The second female victim came to the aid of the first victim and grabbed Pierce. Pierce then grasped the second victim by the neck and began strangling her.

Another male transient, who was in the area, observed the attack and intervened by grabbing Pierce, which allowed the female victims to flee the area. After the female victims were able to get away, Pierce told the person who had stopped the attack he intended to kill both the female victims. Both victims sustained visible injuries, but refused medical attention.

Officers from the Sonora Police Department and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department searched the area for Pierce with negative results. Pierce is described as 5-11, 200, brown hair, blue eyes, long hair and a goatee, his street name is “Maverick”. He is homeless and travels in and out of the County. Last week he was involved in a high speed chase with Oakdale Police Department. Anyone with information regarding Pierce’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sonora Police Department at 209-532-8141. Pierce is currently wanted on attempted murder charges and should be considered dangerous.