Three Fresno County sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a man who reportedly tried to stab the parent of an athlete working out at the Caruthers Fairgrounds on Tuesday evening.
According to a Fresno County Sheriff’s Office news release, dispatchers received a call of a man brandishing a knife at the fairgrounds at about 5:30 p.m.
Callers to dispatch said that the suspect had tried to talk to athletes while they were training. Two coaches confronted the suspect and that is when he pulled out a knife, said sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti.
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Suspect Tries to Stab Parent
The suspect walked away and headed toward the Caruthers post office. When a parent of an athlete then contacted the suspect there, Botti said, the suspect pulled out a larger knife and attempted to stab the parent.
That parent subsequently advised dispatchers to deputies to a strip mall at Tahoe and Marsh avenues because the suspect was headed there.
When deputies caught up with the suspect in front of a barbershop, he refused numerous commands to drop his weapons and surrender, Botti said.
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Deputies Fire Bean Bag Rounds First
Deputies fired less-lethal bean bags, which struck the suspect, but they were ineffective. As the suspect — still holding a knife — charged the deputies, they shot him and then administered first aid. The suspect died at the scene, Botti said.
No deputies or citizens were injured, according to the sheriff’s office. The coroner’s office has yet to identify the killed suspect.
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Video of Confrontation
The sheriff’s office asks anyone with video or information about the situation to contact detective Aurelio Flores at (559) 600-8208.
You may also contact Valley Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. The case number is 23-5635.
