May 16, 2023 - Fresno Police Department officials report that on Friday, May 12, 2023, the Fresno Police responded to the 4100 block of East Bellaire Avenue for a planned operation regarding a shooting investigation.  Detectives assigned to the Street Violence Bureau Felony Assault Unit identified Phatna Pich, a gang member, as one of the suspects responsible for four separate shootings.

While members of the Fresno Police Department’s Street Violence Bureau Tactical Team were serving a search warrant at Pich’s residence, video surveillance confirmed he fled into the backyard while armed with a semi-automatic handgun and a high-capacity magazine.  Pich jumped a fence and barricaded himself in a garage of an unrelated residence.  Multiple patrol and K-9 officers quickly responded and secured the surrounding area.

In addition, members from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (M.A.G.E.C.), Adult Compliance Team (ACT Team), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responded for allied support. Because the suspect was armed and barricaded, the Fresno Police Department’s SWAT Team responded to assist. After approximately eight hours, the suspect exited the garage and surrendered to officers.   

Phatna Pich, 20 years of age, gang member is charged with four counts of Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling or Occupied Vehicle, Possession of an Assault Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, and Resisting Arrest. Gang enhancements were also added.

If you have any information regarding these crimes, you can remain completely anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867).

You may also contact Fresno Police Department – Felony Assault Detective O. Solorio at 559-621-2419 with information regarding this investigation under Fresno PD Case# 2212150064.

Source & photos: Fresno Police Department