FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A field worker near Raisin City shoots a robbery suspect in the leg – with his own gun.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office says the search is on for the other two robbers.
Around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office got a report of an armed robbery on Floral Avenue, north of Jameson, near Raisin City and Helm.
“A black Dodge Durango pulled up, three suspects got out, wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks, two of them armed with guns. They demanded money from some of the field workers who were pruning in the vineyards. Along with them was one of the contractors, who was actually paying out the employees,” said Fresno County Sheriff’s Spokesperson Tony Botti.
Botti said as the robbers were getting away – one suspect tripped, fell and dropped his gun – a worker grabbed it and shot him in the leg.
The injured alleged robber, was sent to the hospital, but the other two suspects got away.
They are described as Hispanic males by Botti.
The injured suspect has now been identified as 22-year-old Dion Loftis from Hanford. He was shot three times – twice in the behind and once on the calf.
“The black Dodge Durango may have bullet holes in the back of it, and we believe that it’s heading to the Hanford area, so we’re asking anybody to keep their eyes out and report it to us,” said Botti.
Anyone with information should call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7687).
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’S Liz Kern:
