FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno Police tell Action News that this shooting was “targeted.” The suspect had an appointment scheduled before, and police say he opened fire, striking a single victim.
We are now learning that victim is a healthcare worker at the facility.
A witness describes the terrifying moments as dozens of people, patients and providers ran from the building.
“I heard screaming, I heard four or five shots, and I saw so many people running, kneeled down, screaming run, run!” says witness Maria Nava.
The suspected gunman now identified as 69-year-old Bounlab Thammavong.
Police say he opened fire inside an exam room, shooting one person.
The victim, we’re told is a woman in her 30’s, a healthcare provider who worked at the clinic.
“They located the victim in the back part of the location laying on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshots,” says Lt. Larry Bowlan, Fresno Police Department.
Police were able take Thammavong into custody inside the lobby, the gun was later found in an exam room.
Action News was at the scene the moment he was put inside a patrol car.
Following the traumatic incident, employees clung to one another in the parking lot.
“We were crying, all of us. We ran crying. For me, I’m still trembling, I was so scared something was going to happen to my son,” says Nava.
Thammavong has been a patient at the facility for the past year and was at the clinic for a scheduled appointment.
While his motive remains unknown, Fresno Police are calling the shooting ‘targeted’.
“Looks like this was some type of personal interaction between the patient and the employee that was targeted,” says Lt. Bowlan.
Fresno Police tell Action News Thammavong had no prior criminal history. He is now facing several felony charges, including attempted murder.
Family Healthcare Network released a statement calling the incident ‘tragic.’
President & CEO Kerry Hydash saying her prayers are, “with our team member involved and their family.”
The victim underwent emergency surgery. We are told she remains in critical but stable condition.
Police are asking anyone with further information to contact them as the investigation into what led to the shooting continues.
By ABC 30’s Brisa Colón
