August 26, 2025 – Fresno Police Department officials report that on August 21, 2025, at 2:30 am, Southwest officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification of four rounds in the area of Blackstone Avenue and Grant Avenue. Officers located four expended casings at the location. Officers were notified of a gunshot wound victim at a nearby apartment. Officers responded to the location and found a male who had been struck by gunfire on both legs. The victim was transported to CRMC where he was listed as in stable condition.
Simultaneously, a victim of a stabbing, later identified as suspect Santiago Cruz, arrived at CRMC. As the stabbing victim was placed onto a gurney, a holster for a pistol fell out of his pocket. The driver of the vehicle who dropped the victim off, abandoned the vehicle and fled the area on foot. He has not been identified. Cruz was listed as critical but stable due to a single stab wound to the chest. Officers arrived on scene at the hospital and located a handgun under the floorboard of the front passenger seat where Cruz had been sitting.
Detectives were able to determine that the gunshot wound victim was approached by Cruz and an unknown male as they arrived in the area of Blackstone Avenue and Grant Avenue. The gunshot wound victim was attacked and pistol whipped by Cruz and the second male, causing him to defend himself. As the victim fought off the two males, the victim stabbed Cruz in the chest. As the victim ran from the scene, Cruz fired multiple rounds at him, striking him in both legs.
Santiago Cruz was arrested and is in custody for the shooting, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and his parole violation. He is currently being treated at CRMC and will be booked into the Fresno County Jail upon medically being cleared.
Although an arrest has been made in this case, if you have any information or know the identity and/or the whereabouts of the additional suspect, please contact:
Felony Assault Unit:
Detective Shayne Dias at: Shane.Diaas@fresno.gov
Or
Detective Alex Lopez at: alejandro.lopez@fresno.gov
Or
Crime Stoppers at: (559) 498-STOP
Suspect photo is not a mugshot in accordance with PC 13665.
