Photo: Michael Sanchez
The evening of March 24, 2020, a vehicle sped through a residential neighborhood near Belmont Avenue and Valeria Street. Fresno Southwest Patrol officers signaled the driver to pull over. Ignoring commands to stop, the driver continued southbound until it struck the corner curb of South Valeria and Grant Street, coming to halt. Two subjects occupying the vehicle took off on foot.
As the driver, later identified as 29-year old Michael Sanchez, was running away, he opened fire upon the officers with a shotgun. Officers fired back. A private citizen joined the gunfight and struck Sanchez with a legally owned firearm.
The bullet-injured Sanchez fell to the ground but garnered the strength to get up and run again, seeking shelter at a nearby apartment courtyard. There he was tackled by a second private citizen who held him until officers arrived.
Sanchez, a confirmed Bulldog gang member, was booked at the Fresno County Jail. He faces the possibility of being charged with attempted murder on a police officer and felon in possession of a firearm.
The second occupant of the speeding vehicle, 40-year old Luis Longinos, was found at the registered address of the involved vehicle. Based on evidence, he was released after questioning.
Photos from the Fresno Police Department
