PRESS RELEASE- 09/22/23- CASE 23-0710 ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 22, 2023
Shortly after 3:00 PM, Paradise PD officers responded to a residence on Ashland Ln, Paradise, for a report of an assault with a firearm. The victim, (Name Withheld), reported that Delman Shaulis III, 46 years old, held a loaded pistol to her heart and struck her with the muzzle of the pistol. The victim managed to get away from Mr. Shaulis and called for help.
Officers arrived and contacted Shaulis. Shaulis was heavily intoxicated, refused to comply with officer instructions, barricaded himself inside his RV and refused to exit. Due to the seriousness of the offense and the presence of weapons, Paradise PD requested assistance from Butte County Sheriff's Deputies.
Officers set a perimeter and communicated with Shaulis using Patrol vehicle Public Address (PA) systems. Shaulis at first denied that he had a weapon, but later telephoned the victim and told her he still had the pistol with him. Officers continued efforts to de-escalate the situation with Shaulis via PA while BCSO's 9-1-1 Dispatchers attempted to reason with him over the telephone. Emergency Medical personnel from Cal-Fire and Butte EMS were staged for precaution.
After attempting to de-escalate Shaulis, Paradise Police requested the assistance of the Butte County Sheriff's SWAT Team. As BCSO SWAT Team members responded, Officers continued efforts to deescalate and negotiate a peaceful resolution with Shaulis.
Prior to the SWAT Team entering, Shaulis emerged from his RV. Despite clear directions by Officers to surrender, Shaulis lowered his hands and tried to run into the house on the property. Officers were aware that additional firearms were in the house. Shaulis was directed to stop and was warned that a police K9 would be deployed if he did not comply. Shaulis continued running into the open garage of the residence and Paradise PD K9 "Titan" was deployed. Titan quickly apprehended Shaulis. SWAT Team members moved in and handcuffed Shaulis. EMS personnel rendered first aid for the K9 bite and Shaulis was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
A search warrant was written and was authorized by a Butte Superior Court Judge. During a search of the RV Shaulis was barricaded in, officers located a loaded .40 caliber pistol that matched the victim’s description of the gun Shaulis used.
Paradise Police Department would like to extend thanks to the BCSO Dispatch Team for their patience in attempting to persuade Shaulis to surrender peacefully, BCSO Patrol deputies for their timely response and assistance, and the BCSO SWAT team for their response and expertise.
LOCATION: Ashland Ln, Paradise
SUSPECT(S): Delman Douglas Shaulis III, 46 years old
INVESTIGATING OFFICER: Officer K. Tuck
APPROVING SUPERVISOR: Sgt. D. Akin
