FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A car was left riddled with bullets as police say a 31-year-old driver pursued his ex on Wednesday in Fresno.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto confirms the violence began at Shields and First.
It unfolded on a 911 call as the driver of a BMW with a three-year-old inside feared for her life.
“She stayed on the line and provided updates that the suspect was still ramming her car and following her. She got off here at Jensen,” said Casto.
As police responded, the scene escalated.
The chief says the suspect pulled a gun and shot at the BMW.
Police then opened fire on the suspect.
“The sergeant brought a lot of calm to it. He knew what had to be done,” said Casto. “It was very clear the victim’s life was in danger, so it helped him to make good decisions how to keep her safe and, obviously, keep that suspect from posing a danger to the rest of the public.”
But even with shots at his car, the suspect continued.
He tried to flee and crashed into other cars.
Nobody was seriously injured.
“It’s nothing short of a miracle that the victim here today walked away relatively unscathed, at least, physically. Emotionally, it had to be terrifying for her,” Casto explained.
It’s the third shooting involving an officer this year,.
It also marked the second shooting in southwest Fresno just this week, and the latest case of domestic violence.
“When somebody causing harm loses that power and control over another individual, they can become very desperate to gain it back,” said Ashlee Wolf with the Marjaree Mason Center.
Wolf says the Marjaree Mason Center is ready to support.
“We’re focused on prevention and education efforts so that we can hopefully equip this next generation to have the tools they need to live healthy relationships and healthy lives,” Wolf explained.
Police have not said whether the suspect is cooperating or what charges he could face.
