May 17, 2023 - Fresno County Sheriff's Office officials report that around 5:30 p.m., Sheriff’s dispatchers received a call of a man brandishing a knife at the Caruthers Fairgrounds. This is where the suspect had tried contacting student athletes while they were training. Two coaches confronted the suspect and that is when he pulled out a knife.

The suspect walked away and headed toward the post office. A parent of one of the athletes then contacted the suspect. The suspect pulled out a different, larger knife and attempted to stab the parent. The parent moved away and told dispatchers to send the deputies to a nearby strip mall at Tahoe and Marsh because that is where the suspect was headed.

Deputies contacted the suspect in front of a barbershop. He refused numerous commands from deputies to drop his weapons and surrender. Deputies fired less lethal bean bags, which struck the suspect, but they were ineffective. The suspect then charged at the deputies while holding a knife. Three deputies fired their guns, striking the suspect multiple times. They administered first aid until EMS personnel arrived. The suspect was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

No deputies or citizens were injured. The name of the suspect is not available for release at this time.

Tahoe Ave. will remain closed to traffic from Mt. View Ave. to Henderson throughout the night as the investigation continues.

If you have additional information or if you have video from the scene, please contact Detective Aurelio Flores at 559-600-8208. You may also contact Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 23-5635.

Source & photos: Fresno County Sheriff's Office