The Selma police officer shot and killed Tuesday was Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.

In a news release Wednesday morning, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said that the 24-year-old Carrasco joined the Selma Police Department in May 2021.

“He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters, and girlfriend, who is currently pregnant with their child. This marks the first line of duty death for the Selma Police Department, which was
formed in 1893,” stated the news release.

According to the sheriff’s office, Carrasco was killed by convicted felon Nathaniel Michael Dixon, 23, an admitted gang member.

Investigators said that Dixon fired several shots at the officer shortly before noon on Tuesday in the 2600 block of Pine Street.

Carrasco had come upon Dixon after a homeowner flagged the officer down to report suspicious activity in the neighborhood, investigators said. As Carrasco approached Dixon, he shot him immediately and fled. A short time later, Dixon was arrested.

Personnel from multiple first-responding agencies rendered aid to Carrasco before he was taken to Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno. He died after being taken to surgery, the sheriff’s office said.

“I’m absolutely outraged. I am horrified right now,” Selma Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz said during a Tuesday night press conference.

Said state Attorney General Rob Bonta in a news release: “I join Californians in mourning the tragic loss of Officer Carrasco, a dedicated public servant whose service represented the best of the California spirit. On behalf of the entire California Department of Justice, I extend my condolences to Officer Carrasco’s family, community, and colleagues.”

How to Help Officer’s Family

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and Selma Police Officer’s Association are establishing a memorial fund for Carrasco’s family.

Donations can be sent to:

Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association, in care of Selma POA Memorial Fund, 1360 Van Ness Ave., Fresno 93721.

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Capitol Flags Honor Carrasco

In honor of Carrasco, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

“Jennifer and I join all the family, friends, and colleagues mourning the tragic loss of Officer Carrasco, who devoted his life to protecting his community,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.  “His tremendous bravery, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

(Associated Press contributed to this story.)