Police Shoot, Kill Known Gang Member in Fresno

FRESNO – A Fresno police officer shot and killed a parolee during a confrontation Monday afternoon.

Sunnyside Ave and Kings Canyon Rd

The shooting happened near Sunnyside Avenue and Kings Canyon Road in southeast Fresno. A police officer stopped the 35-year-old man, a parolee with a warrant out for his arrest. The suspect told the officer he was on parole and then took off running.

The officer pursued the suspect through the Fashion Park Apartments and over several fences. When he finally caught up to the suspect, the two got into a physical confrontation, authorities said.

“There was a knife that the suspect had possessed. At some point, the officer felt his life was in danger and fired his department handgun at the suspect,” said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

The suspect, a known Bulldog gang member with a violent history, was taken to Community Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries, authorities said.

Many neighbors witnessed the confrontation between the officer and the suspect. Dyer said the suspect may have been carrying a stolen stereo when the officer approached him.

The officer involved in the shooting is a 5 ½-year veteran of the Fresno Police Department and is on paid administrative leave. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into the shooting because the shooting happened just outside of city limits.

Last year, Fresno police had nine officer-involved shootings.

Read More:

Fresno Bee: Gang Member Shot by Police in Fresno

CBS 47: Parolee Killed After Confrontation with Officer