On Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 3:25 p.m., the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a family dispute with shots fired, in the 20000 block of Highway 88 in Pine Grove. Deputies responded and made contact with the victim, 20-year-old James Sampson of Pine Grove.
Deputies quickly gathered information and learned that a male subject, identified as 62-year-old Craig Allen Butler, fired several shots at Sampson following an altercation at the residence. Sampson was able to flee the area and get to a neighboring residence where he called 911. Sampson was not injured during the altercation. Deputies cleared the residence and several outbuildings on the property but did not locate Butler. It was determined Butler fled the scene in a tan 1998 Ford Explorer. Deputies saturated the area in an attempt to locate Butler but have been unable to do so.
Members of the Amador County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau responded and conducted an in-depth investigation. A Ramey warrant has been issued for Butler for 664/187 PC- Attempted Murder and 245(A)(2) PC- Assault w/ firearm. This investigation remains ongoing.
If anyone has information regarding Mr. Butler’s whereabouts, please contact the Amador County Sheriff’s Office at 209-223-6514. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can also contact the Amador County Secret Witness line at 209-223-4900.
**Editor’s Note: Charges are reported for the dates and times indicated and are available via public record. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges may be amended and/or dismissed.
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