MADERA OFFICER CRITICALLY HURT IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT — A Madera police officer is listed in very critical condition this morning at Valley Medical Center after an accident Thursday night in Fresno. Officer John Schmidt, while off duty, was driving his motorcycle northbound on Maple Avenue when a car traveling southbound turned left in front of him. Schmidt was unable to stop and broadsided the car, according to Fresno police. The driver of the car, Juan Lizardo Agudo, fled but was apprehended in southeast Fresno and booked on a hit-and-run felony charge. Schmidt has been with the Madera Police Department since 1987.
OFFICER DIES OF CRASH INJURIES — Madera police officer John Edward Schmidt was pronounced dead at 1 p.m. Friday in Valley Medical Center. The 35-year-old Schmidt was off-duty when he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle in Fresno. “I don’t know anybody he didn’t get along with,” said Capt. Charles Dickison of Schmidt whom he regarded as “a real good officer.” Fellow officer James Bebe said Schmidt found his niche in police work and felt Madera was where he belonged because he was happy with the town and the police department. Flags outside City Hall were lowered to half-staff Friday with the news of Schmidt’s death.
MADERA’S FIRST HOMICIDE OF THE YEAR — Police are questioning two suspects, whose names are being withheld, in connection with a stabbing that resulted in Madera’s first homicide of the year. According to Madera Police Capt. Andrew Moore, officers were responding to a disturbance in the area of Ninth and C Streets when they found Jose Luis Ramos, 20, with numerous stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at Madera Community Hospital. Witnesses said three suspects forced Ramos from his car and chased him and began stabbing him. The motive is unknown, and the suspects are being held without bail.
McCLURE TO HEAD PLANNING COMMISSION — The Madera Planning Commission named Herbert McClure as its new chairperson Tuesday night. McClure, a veteran of more than 20 years on the Commission, replaces Philip Hagopian, the outgoing chairperson, who will continue as commissioner. The Commission also named Verdell McKelvey as vice-chairperson. The Commission adopted a policy not to take any items after 10:30 p.m. The item being discussed at that time will be finished, but those scheduled to follow will be continued to the next meeting or will be rescheduled...