Madera County K9 shot in the line of duty, suspect in custody, deputies said.

A K9 with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office was wounded in the line of duty Wednesday afternoon.

Deputies responded to the location at Highways 49 and 41 in Oakhurst after receiving reports of multiple hit and runs with a vehicle.

Deputies said the suspect was driving a stolen vehicle and the owner recognized his vehicle and called 911.

As the victim was on the phone with a dispatcher, the suspect rammed the vehicle.

Deputies set up a perimeter, but the suspect drove the vehicle off the road and ran.

Deputies gave chase down a long driveway and during the foot chase, the suspect shot K9 Obie with a shotgun and an exchange of gunfire occurred.

K9 Obie and the suspect were both struck.

The 41-year-old suspect identified as 41-year-old Allen Scott Williams of Mariposa is expected to make a full recovery, deputies said.

K9 Obie was taken to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic where X-ray images show his body is riddled with shotgun pellets.

Deputies said he is expected to remain at the veterinary hospital for at least several days.

According to doctors, he will live the rest of his life with the numerous pellets, but is expected to make a recovery following an extensive rehabilitation period.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with our beloved K9 Obie as he recovers,” Madera Sheriff Tyson Pogue said. “Obie’s bravery and selfless service may very well have saved a deputy’s life, and we are profoundly grateful for his sacrifice and courage.”

Williams is on probation out of Mariposa County, and has several active felony warrants for his arrest for charges including felon in possession of ammunition, and felony assault with a deadly weapon.

He will be booked into the Madera County Jail for multiple felony charges, deputies said.

The deputy-involved shooting has been turned over to the Madera Police Department.