A man was hospitalized and later arrested after police said he opened fire during a fight that left him with a stab wound and another man shot in the legs early Thursday in central Fresno.

Fresno police said officers responded at about 2:30 a.m. to a ShotSpotter alert of gunfire near Blackstone and Grant avenues, where they found four shell casings.

A man suffering from gunshot wounds to both legs was found nearby and taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

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Pistol Holster Falls Out at Hospital

At the same time, Santiago Cruz arrived at the hospital with a stab wound to the chest.

As medical staff placed him on a gurney, police said a pistol holster fell from his pocket.

A handgun was later recovered under the front passenger seat of the vehicle that dropped him off, after the driver abandoned the car and fled on foot.

Detectives determined the wounded man had been pistol whipped by Cruz and another man before stabbing Cruz in self-defense, police said.

As the man ran, Cruz allegedly fired several shots, hitting him in the legs.

Cruz, who was listed in critical but stable condition, was arrested on suspicion of the shooting, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and parole violation.

He will be booked into the Fresno County Jail once he is medically cleared.

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Got a Tip?

Police said a second suspect remains at large.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives Shayne Dias or Alex Lopez, or call Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

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