A Fresno County sheriff’s deputy shot a suspect following a physical struggle while investigating two related incidents Tuesday evening, authorities said.

Around 6:30 p.m., a deputy responded to a home near Olive and Cornelia avenues where a man had broken down the front door while people were inside the residence. The suspect fled before the deputy arrived.

The homeowners described the suspect as a tall Black man driving a white work van with a ladder rack.

About 20 minutes later, while the deputy was investigating the first incident, a 911 call reported that a man matching the same description was at a home on Garfield Avenue, south of Shields Avenue, threatening to kill the residents and refusing to leave.

The deputy left the first scene and responded to the Garfield Avenue home, where he contacted the suspect next to the van, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said the deputy and the suspect became involved in a physical struggle before the deputy fired his weapon, striking the suspect.

Additional deputies arrived and provided medical aid until emergency medical personnel transported the suspect to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

The deputy was also taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The suspect’s identity was not immediately released.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information about the suspect or the white work van is asked to contact Detective Jose Leon at (559) 600-8221 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or submit a tip at valleycrimestoppers.org. Anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward.

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