April 11, 2025 – Fresno Police Department officials report that on April 8, 2025, just before midnight, officers from the Southwest Policing District responded to the area of Valeria Avenue and Grant Avenue regarding a 15-round ShotSpotter activation. Officers also received an additional call for service regarding a gunshot victim at a residence in the area. Officers contacted a victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound, inside his residence. The victim was transported to CRMC where he was listed in stable condition. Officers canvassed the scene and located two unoccupied vehicles struck by gunfire as well as numerous spent casings in front of two residences. 

Video surveillance shows an unknown male walking in the area. The suspect, later identified as Jacob Castro, began firing at the male. The unknown male returned gunfire in self-defense, ultimately leading to the bystander victim being struck by return gunfire. The suspect remained at the scene; the unknown male victim fled the area. 

During the residential search warrant, detectives located a loaded handgun. Suspect Castro was found to be a convicted felon for numerous firearm possession charges which prohibited him from owning firearms. He was arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail for PC 247(b), PC 29800(a)(1), PC 30305(a)(1), PC 25850(a), PC 245(a)(2). Felony Assault detectives are working to identify the male victim who returned gunfire. 

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact: Detective Richard Gallegos: at Richard.Gallegos@fresno.gov OR Detective Alex Lopez at: alejandro.lopez@fresno.gov. 

Or contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP. If your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward. If you are contacting Crime Stoppers, do not also contact the detective, this will void your anonymous tip. 

Source & photos: Fresno Police Department