(Fresno Police Department)
- California AG Rob Bonta's office clears Fresno police in the fatal 2022 shooting of Austin Flores, 27.
- Flores aimed what turned out to be a replica firearm at police, leading to the officer-involved shooting.
- The AG's report was released as required by Assembly Bill 1506, which seeks transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta, under Assembly Bill 1506, released a report Wednesday that cleared Fresno police in the officer-involved shooting death of Austin Flores, 27, in Fresno on May 19, 2022.
The state Department of Justice investigation found that “taking into account the totality of circumstances involved in this incident, it was not unreasonable for (the Fresno police officer) to believe that Mr. Flores aimed what appeared to be an operable firearm directly at him and to respond with deadly force.”
The apparent handgun that Flores aimed at the officer turned out to be a replica.
The review came as part of the state DOJ’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The DOJ stated that it conducted a thorough investigation of the shooting and criminal charges against the officer weren’t warranted.
Read the Complete Report
You can read the complete report and review photos of the shooting at this link.
“The tragic loss of life in this incident profoundly affects the entire state of California,” said Bonta in a statement.
“We recognize the considerable challenges and difficulties faced by all those impacted, including Mr. Flores’s family, the law enforcement agencies involved, and the community at large. The California Department of Justice is dedicated to collaborating with all law enforcement entities to maintain a legal system that is fair, transparent, and accountable to every Californian.”
Related Story: Fresno Man Gets 50 Years to Life in Prison for Murder and Attempted Murder
The Incident in Fresno
At 11:22 a.m. on May 19, 2022, officers were dispatched to 1705 West Cortland Ave. for a report of a restraining order violation, according to the Fresno Police Department.
Related Story: Fresno County Mail Theft Probe Leads to Five Arrests
The reporting party, the mother of Austin Flores, told dispatch that her son was in the backyard and had a firearm.
When officers arrived, they established a perimeter around the house. Austin Flores emerged from a vehicle, brandishing what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it at an officer.
In response, the officer fired nine rounds from his service weapon, striking Flores, who died at a nearby hospital.
The replica weapon was recovered at the scene.
Related Story: Fresno Man Arrested After Stolen Truck Chase Ties Up Traffic on Clovis Avenue
On Aug. 5, 2022, the Fresno police released a critical incident video of the shooting.
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