OLIVEHURST, CA – Authorities have identified the suspect killed in a deadly shootout that also claimed the life of a Marysville police officer during the execution of a search warrant. The Yuba County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the suspect was 60-year-old Rick David Oliver of Olivehurst.
The fatal exchange of gunfire occurred on Wednesday morning as a SWAT team served a search warrant on Kestrel Court. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes. During the raid, Oliver opened fire, fatally shooting Officer Osmar Rodarte, 25. Law enforcement officers returned fire, killing Oliver at the scene.
The Yuba County District Attorney’s Office stated that due to the complexity of the case, it may take months before further details are released. In the wake of Rodarte’s death, an outpouring of support has flooded the Marysville Police Department. On Thursday, a law enforcement procession escorted Rodarte’s body to Placer County for an autopsy, with community members lining the streets to pay their respects.
Court records indicate that Oliver had an extensive criminal history. In the past year, he pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, resulting in the victim’s pregnancy. Although the crime was not committed by force, Yuba County District Attorney Pat McGrath noted that Oliver was facing a recommended sentence of four years and four months in state prison.
Oliver failed to appear in court for sentencing on August 15, prompting authorities to issue an arrest warrant. He was later located and arrested in Douglas County, Nevada, on February 17 with the assistance of the FBI and a bail bond agency. Due to his failure to appear, he faced an increased potential sentence of up to eight years.
The investigation into the events leading up to the deadly shootout remains ongoing. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances of the warrant execution and the confrontation that led to the deaths of both Oliver and Officer Rodarte.
