The incident started around 6 p.m. Sunday when a motorcycle officer reportedly tried to stop a pickup truck for an obstructed license plate near 8th St. and McKenzie Ave.
Police said the driver sped away and then tried to run down the officer at McKenzie and Cedar.
"As the officer went to try to contact the driver of the vehicle, the driver abruptly threw his vehicle in reverse towards the officer," Lt. Phil Cooley of the Fresno Police Department said. "Fearing for the safety, the officer fired shots to protect himself."
Police said the suspect drove away after the shooting and later crashed into the fence of a home on Barton and Washington.
Investigators said the suspect was taken to the hospital for injuries related to the crashes and was not hit by the bullets. His identity has not been released.
The officer involved in the shooting was not hurt and is currently on paid administrative leave.
