The 21-year-old shot by police has been identified as Guy Stowers. He is listed in stable condition. Officers say he refused to raise his hands and grabbed for a gun before 11 rounds were fired at him. Action news has learned Stowers brother was shot just two days ago.
"There was no communication exchanged between those in the vehicle and both of the victims and for whatever reason, the right front passenger of this Buick Century, African American male reached out with a shotgun and fired one round," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
A short time later the officer who responded to the drive by shooting noticed that same Buick Century at a convenience store at Belmont and Effie. The passengers in the Buick were talking at the gas pumps with a group in a white Lexus.
The officer called for back up and within minutes after additional officers arrived, the scene turned violent. Police say the driver and back seat passenger were cooperative -- but the front passenger refused to obey commands, and even turned on the ignition before grabbing a gun.
"At one point with his left hand, reached down between the seat and the console and grabbed hold of a handgun, a 357, and not only pulled it out but pointed it directly at the officer who was standing outside at the driver's side," said Dyer.
Witnesses said police gave every opportunity for Stowers to cooperate. One woman, who didn't want to show her face, said she listened to the event as it unfolded. "I was in my apartment and you could hear them telling him to get out of the car, put your hands up, stop reaching and he wouldn't listen."
Police found two guns, one in the Lexus and one in the Buick. Detectives do not believe these are the weapons used in the drive by shooting. The Police Chief said Stowers is not the shooter responsible for the drive by, but detectives believe he was in the car at the time the shooting occurred.
Stowers has an extensive criminal history. He was on parole from the California Youth Authority. And Action News has learned another one of his brothers was murdered in a gang related shooting in 2005.
