Photo: Jimmy and Erik Martinez
A 33-year old, Hispanic male is in stable condition as he recovers from surgery after being shot multiple times in Fresno.
It was late Tuesday night, February 27th, when a suspicious person knocking on doors at the University Inn on East Shaw Ave, prompted phone calls to police. But when the first officer arrived, a 20-year veteran of the police force, he was met with a more obviously-dangerous situation: an exchange of gunshots.
As the officer exited his vehicle and unholstered his handgun, he witnessed the victim take several shots to his torso and right arm. Two suspects fled on foot when the officer commanded them to drop their weapons, several bushes obscuring the officer’s view. They reappeared in the parking where the shooting continued.
The officer unloaded several rounds in the direction of the two suspects but it is not believed that either suspect was struck. The suspects got away by using the coverage of a large apartment complex located eastbound from the University Inn. As more officers arrived, the first officer diverted his attention to tending to the injuries of the shooting victim as they waited for transportation to Community Regional Medical Center to arrive.
Two suspects were arrested at the scene. 34-year old Jimmy Martinez, brother of the victim, is a convicted felon and as such, it is illegal for him to be in possession of a firearm. The victim’s cousin, Erik Martinez, 25, is facing charges for interfering with the investigation and resisting arrest.
Two weapons found in the parking lot of the Inn, a .22 semi-automatic handgun and .38 revolver, are being tested to determine if they were used during this apparent gang-related shooting.
Police are searching for at least two other suspects involved, believed to be Hispanic adult males.
A cash reward is offered for any information which leads to an arrest on this case, 18-14216. Anonymous tips can be relayed via Crime Stoppers, 559-498-7867.
