Fresno Man Killed by Police Auto-Theft Task Force Is Identified

By Anthony W. Haddad

Published 12 months ago on

September 5, 2024

Angel Rojas, a Fresno man with a lengthy criminal history, died after an August 20 officer-involved shooting following an attempted arrest for driving a stolen vehicle and ramming two law enforcement cars. (Fresno PD)

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The auto-theft suspect killed in an Aug. 20 officer-involved shooting was Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno, according to the Fresno Police Department.

Rojas was driving a stolen vehicle when officers from the Help Eliminate Auto Theft Team, a multi-agency task force from the California Highway Patrol and Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, attempted to arrest him.

During the encounter, Rojas allegedly rammed two law enforcement vehicles, prompting officers to open fire. Investigators later found a loaded firearm on the driver’s side floor of the stolen vehicle.

Rojas, who was on post-release community supervision and wanted for violating probation, had a lengthy criminal record, including carjacking, auto theft, and evading police. He died of his injuries on Friday, Aug. 30.

The Fresno Police Department is investigating the shooting, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review.

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Anthony W. Haddad,

Multimedia Journalist

Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.