Police: Fresno man allegedly shot into occupied apartment, wounding two children
Photo: Michael Zavala booking photo | Fresno PD
A Fresno man is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly shooting into an occupied apartment and wounding two children, as well as exchanging gunfire with responding officers, according to police.
Around 2 AM on Sunday, March 6, officers responded to the 500 block of East Weldon Avenue to investigate reports of gunfire.
Responding officers learned that an apartment occupied by a family of four had been fired upon and two children — ages 3 and 1 — had been struck by gunfire multiple times, police said.
Officers determined the gunfire had originated from the apartment belonging to 48-year-old Michael Zavala, who reportedly refused to comply with officers’ orders to come outside and instead opened fire with a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle, prompting two officers to return fire.
After several minutes of negotiating, Zavala came outside and officers discovered he’d sustained a minor gunshot wound to the head. He was quickly given emergency aid and transported to an area medical center, where he was treated and released shortly thereafter, police said.
Following an interview with officers, during which he reportedly admitted to firing at the officers, Zavala was booked on suspicion of eight counts of attempted murder — four for allegedly shooting into the occupied apartment, and four more for allegedly shooting at police. He was also charged with multiple weapons offenses, police said.
