Photo: File photo of Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. | Selma Police Department
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File photo of Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. | Selma PD“The Selma community mourns the loss of one of our own, Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, while serving and protecting the citizens of Selma, Officer Carrasco passed away due to injuries sustained while on-duty.
“Selma lost a member of the family yesterday, the brave police officer who gave his life in the line of duty while working to keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Scott Robertson. “We will never forget the sacrifice of this officer, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to our Police Department, City and Community which is shocked from this sudden and violent taking of a good person whose life was cut short far too soon”
The City of Selma has received and greatly appreciates the outpouring of support from throughout the Valley and the State. Fresno County Sheriff’s Office will be providing mutual aid through Thursday evening, while the City continues to provide emotional support resources to City employees.
“I, with the all the people working for the City of Selma and the whole Selma Community sends our deepest sorrows and condolences to the family of our fallen officer,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Beverly Cho.
Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.
Officer Gonzalo Carrasco was a devoted and loving son, brother, friend, and expectant father. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a Police Officer when he began his career with the Selma Police Department as a sworn officer in 2021.
As a proud son of farmworkers, Gonzalo took the initiative to pursue his education and later attend the police academy. Prior to attending the police academy, Officer Carrasco served as a Police Explorer for his home town of Reedley, California and later served as a non-paid Reserve Officer for Selma PD in 2020 and early 2021.
Gonzalo was well loved and respected by his Selma Police Department family, and will be remembered for his smile, laughter and loyalty. Gonzalo is survived by his mother, Veronica; father, Gonzalo Sr.; sisters, Alma and Paola; brother Christopher; and girlfriend.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 11:45 a.m., on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Officer Carrasco responded to a homeowner who flagged him down as he patrolled the 2600 block of Pine Street in Selma. As Officer Carrasco exited his patrol vehicle and approached to make contact with a suspicious man on the homeowner’s property, the subject, who was later identified as 23-year old Nathaniel Dixon, immediately fired several shots which struck Officer Carrasco. Dixon fled the scene while still armed. A citizen dialed 911 and reported the shooting.
Selma Police officers, Selma Emergency Management Services (EMS), and multiple partner agencies responded and provided medical aid to Officer Carrasco. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was taken into surgery and later succumbed to his injuries.
Various law enforcement agencies searched the vicinity of the scene for the gunman, who was described as having a tattoo on his face. Around 12:10 pm, a deputy spotted the suspect near Fig and Sequoia streets and he was taken into custody. Dixon’s gun was later recovered a short distance from where he was arrested. From this point, Selma Police requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.
Memorial Services and Donations
Flags throughout Selma are being flown at half-staff today in honor of Officer Carrasco. Details regarding services are forthcoming in separate communications from the City of Selma via the City’s website, www.cityofselma.com and various social media channels.”
A prayer service for Officer Carrasco will be held at the Selma Adventist Hospital’s prayer garden on Friday, February 3rd at 7:45 am.
The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family. Please send contributions to: Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association, C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund, 1360 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721.
For other contributions directly to the family of Officer Carrasco, please send to Selma Police Department, 2055 Third Street, Selma, CA 93662.”
