California doctor fatally shot, 15-year-old son survives over 30 hours in Sierra Nevada forest
A California doctor was shot and killed while off-roading with his 15-year-old son, who escaped a gunman by fleeing into a Sierra Nevada forest — where he was lost alone for over 30 hours this past weekend; according to authorities.
The doctor, who police identified as Dr. Ari Gershman, was a physician in Danville, California. His son is Jack Gershman.
In a press release from Tuesday night, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office stated a suspect, John Thomas Conway, 40, was taken into custody.
Before learning about Gershman, authorities received information that two other people were also shot Friday by someone believed to be the same suspect, driving a utility terrain vehicle.
"Neither victim knew the shooter, and the act appeared to be a random act of violence," wrote the Sierra County Sheriff's Office.
In a Sunday update, the office disclosed that both victims were transported out of the area in a private vehicle, and, after receiving initial medical treatment, were taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities say they located Gershman after receiving a 911 call from Jack on Friday. Jack told the dispatcher that he and his father had encountered the suspect, later identified as Conway, while driving down a dirt road.
Conway opened fire on the two, killing Gershman. Jack fled into the forest to escape and find help.
Initial responding officers found Gershman's body and his vehicle. They searched for Jack through Friday night, and rescued him Saturday afternoon in Tahoe National Forest.
"Although the juvenile had fled a considerable distance, the officers were able to track and locate him," reported the Sheriff's Office. "Even though the juvenile had fled the shooting and spent the night alone in the forest, he was in good physical condition and did not require medical attention."
After officials gave the 15-year-old food and water, he was reunited with his mother.
Marlo Meyers-Barer, Gershman's cousin, told ABC7 News that, after calling 911, Jack called his mother, Paige. His phone died after he made, "gut-wrenching videos for Paige about what he saw."
Meyers-Barer said it was technology from AT&T that led rescuers to Jack.
"[Jack] looked like he had just come off of 'Survivor,' covered in scratches head to toe, bug bites," Meyers-Barer told ABC7 News. "We were just so happy to see him. And now we just have to figure out how we get through this as a family,"
"[Gershman's death] was completely random and senseless."
Gershman is survived by three children and a wife who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, according to Meyers-Barer.
“His whole world was his family,” Meyers-Barer told FOX40. “He was a doctor. He ran clinical trials for life-saving medications. His whole world is helping people.”
Not long after locating Jack, authorities say the suspect encountered three officers at high speed in his utility terrain vehicle.The officers tried to stop the vehicle, but Conway did not stop and fled, after attempting to run over two of the officers.
Another officer, positioned farther down the road, tried to block Conway's car.
"A vehicle collision ultimately occurred as officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody," wrote the Sheriff's Office. "The suspect immediately represented a threat to the officers, leading to an officer-involved shooting and deployment of a K-9."
Officials say Conway was then taken into custody, received on-site medical treatment and taken to a nearby hospital.
As of Wednesday morning, no charges have been announced yet. But the Sheriff's Office says that it's working with the Sierra County District Attorney, "who anticipates announcing charges soon."
Contributing: The Associated Press