Authorities say it happened on Leggett Street, south of Putnam Avenue.
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Officers say a man, later identified as 37-year-old Daryl Young, was waving a gun and pointing it at the woman.
When officers arrived, they tried talking to Young. That is when authorities say Young turned and shot the woman.
"The individual immediately produced a firearm and shot the female that he was walking with then brandished the firearm in the presence of the officers," explained Porterville Police Chief Jake Castellow.
Young was then shot by one of the officers.
Both Young and the woman were taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police couldn't say why Young shot the woman or how they know each other but did say they'd had contact with the man before.
"The briefings I've attended he does have a lengthy criminal history here in the City of Porterville," said Chief Castellow.
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Officials say Young was on post-release supervision for domestic violence.
Police say Young has a violent criminal history including, kidnapping, negligent discharge of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, resisting arrest, domestic violence, and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
The Tulare County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.
Porterville police do wear body cameras so if they were activated, there should be video of the shooting.
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