“In rural areas and areas where law enforcement officers cover much ground, it is helpful to have allied agency officers respond to assist.  This helps with both public and officer safety.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MENDOCINO COUNTY – On February 13, 2026 at around noon, Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 11700 block of Branscomb Road in Laytonville for a report of shots fired. The reporting person notified dispatchers that Brandon Lee Langenderfer allegedly shot at a 68-year-old adult male victim. The victim’s head had been grazed by a bullet and Langenderfer fled the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies learned that Langenderfer had walked up to the victim’s property while the victim was outside his residence. Langenderfer allegedly produced a firearm, pointed it at the victim and discharged the firearm. The victim ran for safety and Langenderfer fled on foot into a wooded area.

During the investigation, deputies learned of a vehicle that was associated with Langenderfer. Deputies, along with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies, searched the area for Langenderfer.

At about 4:00 p.m., a CalFire Prevention Law Enforcement Officer observed the vehicle that had been associated with Langenderfer in the 6900 block of Branscomb Road. Deputies responded to the location and contained the area. Multiple verbal commands to prompt Langenderfer to surrender were given with no response. With the use of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and deputies searching on foot, Langenderfer was located hiding in some brush along with Miranda Marie Mullins, 31, of Willits.  Langenderfer and Mullins were detained.

Langenderfer was placed under arrest for 664/187 PC (Attempt Murder), 30305(a)(1) PC (Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition), 11395 H&S (Possession of Controlled Substance with Prior Convictions), 3056 PC (Violation of Parole), 148(a)(1) ( Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing Law Enforcement) and a Felony Warrant for violating State Parole.

Mullins was placed under arrest for 148(a)(1) ( Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing Law Enforcement), 11364 H&S (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), and an out-of-state arrest warrant.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to the following agencies for their assistance with this investigation: CalFire Prevention, California Highway Patrol (CHP), California State Parks, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.