Joseph Michael Pate had history of arrests dating back to 2014
By CHP-Northern Division
On Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 11:37 A.M., a CHP officer assigned to the CHP Red Bluff office stopped to perform a welfare check on a disabled vehicle southbound I-5, south of Chard Avenue, south of the City of Red Bluff. Shortly after contacting the solo occupant of the disabled vehicle, the CHP officer was met with gunfire. The CHP officer was struck by rounds fired from an assault-type rifle being fired by the occupant of the vehicle. Subsequently, the CHP officer drew his service weapon and returned fire at the occupant, striking him several times. The occupant of the vehicle was later identified as Joseph Michael Pate, a 39-year-old man from Pittsburg, CA.
The CHP officer broadcasted a request for emergency assistance. As officers from the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office, Red Bluff Police Department, Corning Police Department, and CalFire were responding to assist, Pate entered the CHP patrol vehicle and fled southbound on
I-5. Shortly after stealing the CHP patrol vehicle, Pate crashed into a truck-tractor pulling a semi-trailer, causing the truck-tractor to overturn. Pate crashed the CHP patrol vehicle into an open field west of I-5, where it caught fire.
Pate was arrested at the scene and emergency aid was rendered for gunshot wounds. Pate was transported to a local hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. The recovered rifle used by Pate had no associated serial numbers.
The CHP officer was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery. The officer’s surgery was successful, and the officer is currently recovering from his injuries.
Northern Division Chief Greg Baarts said, “the California Highway Patrol is grateful for the quick response of our allied law enforcement partners and the medical professionals who tended to our CHP officer’s injuries. The CHP works tirelessly every day to provide Safety, Service, and Security to the communities we serve. While performing our duties there are inherent dangers our officers face. The courageous officer involved in this incident faced such danger and defended himself. We are very thankful he is now on the road to recovery. The CHP is immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from the communities we serve.”
According to localcrimenews.com Pate had a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including Haywood, Dublin, Concord, Livermore and Pittsburg PD’s, as well as by Alameda and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Departments for crimes including robbery, burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is being requested to contact the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 529-7920.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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