Gunfire exchange in a busy space of northwest Fresno ended Saturday night with a fleeing suspect shot dead and an officer struck in his bulletproof vest, based on Fresno Police.
The occasions main up to the shootout began simply earlier than 5 p.m.
Deputy Chief Mindy Casto stated a man who turned out to have prolonged felony historical past with greater than 20 arrests tried to flee from officers throughout a visitors cease.
Officers didn’t initially chase after the suspect, Casto stated.
Fresno Police, nevertheless, have been capable of monitor him down within the air by way of helicopter and monitored him driving recklessly, rushing, slicing off different autos and working pink lights, Casto added.
Police items on the bottom then rammed their automobile into the man’s automobile to trigger him to spin out alongside Herndon Avenue close to Ingram Avenue.
However that’s when shot have been fired between the man and two officers, marking the Fresno Police Department’s first officer-involved shooting of the year.
“Instantly after (spinning out), the person acquired out and engaged the officers,” Casto stated. “At the moment, pictures have been fired and the suspect went down.”
It was not instantly recognized how a lot pictures have been fired by both the suspect or the 2 officers.
“There’s proof that the gun was fired; that (it) was within the suspect’s possession,” Casto stated. “There’s additionally proof that the officer was really struck by gunfire in his ballistic vest.
“Nevertheless, as a result of it’s early within the investigation … we’re nonetheless seeking to verify.”
Casto stated officers rendered first assist on the suspect and emergency personnel quickly after arrived and tried to carry out life-saving measures.
However the man was declared dead on the scene.
The officer who was apparently struck within the bullet proof vest was transported for remark and “seems to be OK presently,” Casto stated.
“We’re eternally grateful that the officer is OK,” Casto stated.
The opposite officer concerned within the taking pictures was not injured.
The 2 officers have 4 and 6 years of expertise with the police division, Casto stated.
Fresno Police have as many as 30 detectives working the scene with the investigation anticipated to final late into the night time and Herndon Avenue between Blackstone and Ingram avenues anticipated to stay closed till someday Sunday morning.
Detectives deliberate to additional look at physique cam footage from the officers, in addition to attainable surveillance footage from close by companies.
The coroner’s workplace was anticipated to later decide whether or not the suspect was beneath the affect of any medicine or alcohol.
Casto stated the man had been arrested greater than 20 instances and had six energetic warrants out for his arrest, together with two felony warrants.
