Neighbor speaks out after man shot by law enforcement in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Fresno Fresno Police said an auto theft investigation in Southeast Fresno is what led to a violent altercation.

“The cops said, put your hands up, put your hands up, and then not even like two seconds, I hear ‘pop, pop, pop,’” said eyewitness, Jose Guerrero.

He says he was sitting in his car, parked near Seventh Street and Grant Avenue, when he saw the moments that led to the shooting.

Fresno Police Department’s Lt. Paul Cervantes said that members of Fresno’s “Help Eliminate Auto Theft’”, or “HEAT” team were investigating a stolen vehicle case in the area when officers came in contact with the male suspect.

“The driver at this point who has not been identified, immediately placed his vehicle in reverse and started to ram the officers in their unmarked cars that were clearly identified as police vehicles,” Cervantes said.

At that point, Cervantes says authorities had already identified themselves through sirens and lights.

“Officers were actually outside of the vehicle when this individual engaged in ramming the suspect. I’m sorry, to the officers’ vehicles, thereby placing some of the officers in danger that were on foot,” he said.

Shots were fired at the suspect, while he was still in the truck, hitting him in the upper torso area. Once the suspect was out of the vehicle, Guerrero said things took a turn.

“There was a lady coming from the inside. ‘Oh, no, please leave him alone…stop please.’”

According to Cervantes, the woman came from a residence police believe is connected to the investigation.

“At some point in time, we’re going to be obtaining a search warrant and furthering that investigation in that aspect,” Cervantes said.

Police expect to be investigating for quite some time.

“The reason why we’re tied up in this area is solely based on the suspect’s actions. We’re going to do a good job of investigating this case. We’re going to be fair, impartial, objective. But I can tell you that we’re very fortunate that no officers were injured as a result of this tragic incident.”

The suspect was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition. Police also add that the female involved has been detained.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.