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.”

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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.

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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.

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On Aug. 5, 2022, the Fresno police released a critical incident video of the shooting.

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