SLO County sheriff identifies deputy wounded in Paso Robles shootout
Update Saturday, 10:30 a.m.:
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff deputy Nicholas Dreyfus, who was shot by an armed suspect near the Paso Robles police station remains in critical care but is stable, according to an update by the Sheriff’s Office.
According to a news release, Dreyfus’ wife said he has had several procedures since the incident and has been evaluated daily. Doctors remain optimistic for a positive outcome on his prognosis, according to the release.
Update Friday, 1 p.m.:
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Dreyfus and his family with medical expenses, travel, and other expenses that may arise through his recovery.
As of early Friday afternoon, the website had raised more than $34,000 from more than 450 donors.
Original story:
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 28-year-old deputy wounded in yesterday’s shootout with an armed suspect near the Paso Robles police station.
Nicholas Dreyfus, who records show was formally hired by the department as a deputy in April 2019, underwent surgery for his injuries Wednesday. Sheriff Ian Parkinson said Wednesday that Dreyfus had been shot in the face.
“The surgery was successful,” a news release from the department says. “He is listed in guarded condition, and his prognosis is good.”
As of late Thursday morning, law enforcement officers were still searching for Dreyfus’ suspected assailant, Mason James Lira.
Lira is also suspected of fatally shooting a homeless man near the Amtrak station. That victim, who was shot once in the back of the head, has not been publicly identified.
The search for Lira continued Thursday, with officials warning residents to stay away from the riverbed area in Paso Robles.
Parkinson said at a news conference Wednesday that he watched Dreyfus move through the academy and training.
Dreyfus is married, and the Sheriff’s Office news release says that his wife and family members are with him as he recovers.
Just last week, Dreyfus posted on his Facebook page in an apparent response to recent demonstrations following the police killing of George Floyd, which has caused a wave of protests and anti-police sentiment from some.
“We will lay down our lives in your defense and in defense of the people you love,” Dreyfus wrote in the public post. “We will do these things with little to no hesitation. Remember that.”
His Facebook post on Thursday had almost 900 “likes” and was filled with almost 300 comments from users supporting Dreyfus, thanking him for his service and wishing him a speedy recovery.
“Thank you for all that you and your fellow officers do to keep the public safe,” wrote Jan Bergner. “Please stay safe and know we stand behind you.”
“Storming the heavens w/prayers, you are a hero and I thank you for your service and protection,” wrote Amy Ohnmacht.
This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 11:22 AM.
