California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has cleared the Fresno Police Department in the 2023 killing of a suspect who shot at officers during a traffic stop.

Police shot and killed 29-year-old Roberto Corchado Jr. on March 4, 2023. Police said they attempted a traffic stop on Corchado — recognizing him as a suspect with outstanding arrest warrants — that ended at Herndon and Ingram avenues in north Fresno near Walmart.

“After a thorough investigation, DOJ concluded that criminal charges were not appropriate in this case,” Bonta said Thursday in a statement.

The chase saw Corchado drive recklessly, collide with vehicles, and go the wrong way on a Highway 41 exit ramp, the report stated.

After police rammed his vehicle, Corchado fired at the officers, striking Officer Bryce Hammond in his bulletproof vest. The bullet did not penetrate, according to the report, which included a photo of the vest as evidence.

“Hammond believed the bullet went through his tactical vest and thought he was going to die. Officer Hammond also stated that he believed Mr. Corchado possessed the present ability and opportunity to cause bodily injury or death to himself, fellow officers, or others,” the 39-page DOJ report said.

Hammond and Officer Luke Tran returned fire.

Corchado fled on foot, with officers in pursuit. As he approached another vehicle, Hammond fired what would be the fatal shot. Corchado’s firearm was later found near his vehicle.

Corchado was not armed at the time of the fatal shot — triggering the DOJ review.

Here is a link to the Fresno Police Department’s critical incident report video.

Attorney: Family Disappointed

Kevin Little, an attorney representing the Corchado family, said they are “disappointed” in the DOJ’s findings.

“From our perspective, this was ill-fated from beginning to end,” Little said Friday.

Little criticized the investigation, saying a neutral investigator should examine the case.

He filed a federal civil lawsuit on behalf of Corchado’s family. A jury trial is set for March 23, 2027. Little said the DOJ’s findings do not affect the lawsuit.

What Bonta, Report Said

“We appreciate the law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line in the name of public safety. At the same time, we recognize that loss of life is always a tragedy, and we express our condolences to Mr. Corchado’s family,” Bonta said.

Hammond told the DOJ he believed Corchado remained armed when he ran away, based on the way he was holding his arms. When Corchado approached a civilian’s vehicle, “Hammond likely believed that Mr. Corchado would cause death or serious bodily injury if he was not immediately apprehended.”

The DOJ analysis said the officers acted appropriately.

“Based on the investigation and review of evidence, along with the applicable statutes, legal principles and subsequent analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution of Officers Hammond or Tran. As such, no further action will be taken in this case,” the report said.

The DOJ said Fresno police handled the situation correctly and required no corrective measures.

“Fresno police officers demonstrated extensive efforts to exercise restraint in their consideration of public safety during the pursuit of Mr. Corchado. Therefore, the Police Practices Section has concluded that no recommendations are warranted for this shooting,” the report said.

Little: Corchado ‘Clearly in Crisis’

Days after the shooting, Little said Corchado was “murdered.” He stands by that view.

Little said Corchado “was clearly in crisis,” and that the police pursuit was against policy. He said raising your hands is the “universal sign” of surrender.

“At the time he was shot, he had his hands up and was unarmed. And it was simply coincidental that he was walking toward a vehicle. The driver of that vehicle gave a statement saying she did not believe that, at the time Mr. Corchado was shot, he presented a threat,” Little said.

The DOJ report stated that the witness saw Corchado run toward the vehicle. Corchado raised both hands, the witness said, but she could not see whether he was holding anything. The report did not say whether the witness believed Corchado presented a threat.

“Witness-1 locked the doors of the Camaro in case Mr. Corchado tried to open them,” the report said. “Mr. Corchado smacked her vehicle, and Witness 1 had to reverse the Camaro to leave.”