Deputy Sheriff James E. Machado, Placer County Sheriff's Office, California

Deputy Sheriff James E. Machado

Placer County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Thursday, July 13, 1978

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James E. Machado

Deputy Sheriff James Machado was shot and killed at the intersection of Highway 49 and Elm Avenue in Auburn with his own service weapon during a struggle with a mental patient.

The subject was located a short time later walking along I-80. As other officers approached him, he attempted to shoot them with Deputy Machado's weapon. The officers fired several shotgun rounds at the suspect, killing him.

Deputy Machado had served with the Placer County Sheriff's Office for four years. In 2008, Deputy Machado was posthumously awarded the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Purple Heart.

The Auburn intersection where he was killed was also dedicated in his honor.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 30
Tour 4 years
Badge 19

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Shot and killed

EDP

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Most Recent Reflection

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Jim: From a former deputy over the state line-- I thank you for your sacrifice and dedication to your fine agency. Placer County borders Washoe County (Nevada) at Lake Tahoe and we often interacted with Placer Deputies and had an MOU granting each other authority to respond to calls in both jurisdictions. Placer S.O. is a great department and I've known a few excellent Placer deputies over the years. I've heard of you previously and just wanted to know your brothers and sisters over the state line remember you, your reputation and your sacrifice.

Jim Lopey, Asst. Sheriff (Ret)
Washoe County Sheriff (Reno, Nv.) & NVDPS

July 13, 2021