FRESNO – Four teenage members of the Norteno gang were arrested in connection to the shooting of an Edison High School teacher last week.
On Dec. 19, the boys – one 17 years old and the others 16 – were going through a gang initiation process and looking for innocent people to target. They first ran into a 62-year-old woman just before 7 p.m. in Irwin Avenue, a mile away from Edison High School.
The boys, who were armed with a handgun and a sawed-off rifle, “beat her and knocked her to the ground and continued to kick her while she was on the ground,” Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said.
They then allegedly ran to the nearby school where they spotted Edison trainer and part-time teacher Steven Guerrero working after hours. The 17-year-old threatened Guerrero with the handgun and one of the other teens hit him in the head with a 25-pound weight, according to Dyer.
A physical altercation between the teacher and the boys ensued, during which the 17-year-old shot the gun five times, hitting Guerrero twice. Guerrero was able to grab the gun and attempted to fire a shot, but the weapon did not fire, and the boys fled, Dyer said.
The first victim came forward several hours later to tell authorities about her assault. Based on her statements, police were able to get five search warrants and discovered a bullet from the handgun allegedly used in the shooting, Dyer said.
Police began rounding up the four suspects on Monday night, with the last boy taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon. The boy suspected of firing the shots confessed, Dyer said.
“These are juveniles, but they are ruthless,” Dyer said.
Neither victims injuries were life-threatening.
Read more:
The Fresno Bee: 4 teens arrested for allegedly shooting Edison High teacher
Fox News: Police arrest 4 alleged gang members in shooting of Central California teacher
CBS Sacramento: 4 Arrested In Shooting Of Fresno High School Teacher
