Sheriff’s Detectives Investigating Officer Involved Shooting

Around 12:45 am on Sunday, Fresno Police officers responded to the intersection of S. Backer Ave. and E. Florence Ave. in Fresno to check on a suspicious vehicle that was reported in the area. Officers located the vehicle and then saw it speed away. Fresno Police’s helicopter, Air 1, was notified and began to follow the vehicle. Officers in Fresno Police patrol cars became aware that the vehicle had traveled to the area of Highway 99 and Clovis Ave and the suspect was driving through a field. Officers pursued the vehicle as other officers setup a spike strip at the intersection of Clovis and Jensen. The suspect avoided the spikes and drove through the gate of a farming business located on the southeast corner of Clovis and Jensen. Shortly after 1:30 am, officers used their patrol cars to surround the suspect’s vehicle on the ranch, at which time the driver backed up their vehicle and struck two patrol cars. Officers fired their guns, hitting both the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Officers gave medical aid to the suspect while waiting for EMS personnel to arrive. An ambulance then transported the suspect to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno. The suspect is currently receiving treatment and is listed in stable condition. No other people were in the suspect’s vehicle at the time of the shooting. One officer sustained a minor injury.

Due to the shooting occurring at a property in the county’s jurisdiction, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is handling the officer involved shooting (OIS) investigation. FSO homicide detectives and members of the District Attorney’s OIS team responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The Fresno Police Department is also conducting its own administrative investigation.

The suspect is a 30 year old man. His identity is not available for release at this time. He will soon be booked into the Fresno County Jail.

Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The first class care continues as Heather (far left) from Sierra View Animal Hospital makes a house call to check on Mikey. Assisting her are Dispatcher Jana Huey and Deputy Ericka Rascon (a former K-9 handler). Thank you all for helping to get him back on all four paws.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has recently become aware of a scam involving your Apple iPhone. We would like to inform you of how it works so you don't get tricked.

Some local residents report they are receiving phone calls from what appears to be the Apple Store in Fresno. The caller ID shows the store's real number, but when you answer the phone you are prompted to call another number. The recording warns that your computer or iCloud is in jeopardy of being hacked. They may even request the serial number to your iPhone. One such person reported calling the number on the recording and it put them in touch with a company named Superior Technical Support. The Better Business Bureau is aware of this ongoing scam. The number you see from the so-called Apple Store has been spoofed. This means the caller is using a service or program to mask the real number they are calling from and making it appear as though it's a legitimate business. The goal is to make you answer the phone, then see if they can take advantage of you through scare tactics.

If you receive a similar call, don't fall into this trap! As a good rule of thumb, never give out your personal information to someone seeking it from you. You should only give information to accredited companies that you make an effort to go and seek help from on your own.

Good news keeps coming our way, let's hope it stays this way. Get well Mikey!

Here is Thursday's update on FSO K-9 Mikey.

This morning, Mikey went to Sierra View Animal Hospital in Fresno to have his wound cleaned, bandage changed and an assessment made for reconstruction surgery of his foot. Dr. Walsh examined Mikey's wound and said he looked so good that reconstruction surgery could take place today, so Dr. Walsh went on to perform the procedure.

Due to the great healthcare services and continued support and prayers from the community, Mikey is progressing in leaps and bounds. He continues to have a long road to recovery. His after care will prove to be a critical factor in giving him any chance at returning to duty.

We at the Sheriff's Office would like to send a huge thank you to all of the staff at Sierra View Animal Hospital; especially Dr. Scheidt and Dr. Walsh who are providing the best care in the world for Mikey.