Fresno County sheriff's deputies shoot suspect in Yokuts Valley, investigation underway

YOKUTS VALLEY, Calif. (KFSN) -- An investigation is underway after Fresno County sheriff's deputies shot a suspect in Yokuts Valley.

Deputies responded to a call regarding a disturbance around 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the area of Ennis Road and Mistletoe Lane.

Authorities say a man made his way onto a property, concerning people in the neighborhood. One woman even armed herself with a shovel.

"He had been acting in an erratic manner," Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said. "People felt like their safety was in jeopardy. And they felt there was a potential that he could harm himself, and even others."

Sheriff John Zanoni says when the first deputy arrived, he tried talking to the suspect but the man put his hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt - and then charged towards him.

The deputy took some steps backward, trying to retreat before he felt forced to fire, shooting the man in the upper body and leg.

"The suspect went down, the deputy transitioned to perform medical aid to the suspect and eventually applied a tourniquet upon the suspect to prevent bleeding from the leg," Zanoni said. "And then the suspect was life flighted out to Community Regional Medical Center."

Zanoni says while the deputy was treating the suspect, the man repeatedly said he had a gun, but no weapon was found. The sheriff describes the whole encounter as an unusual situation.

"The suspect had no connection to this property. No business being on this property," Zanoni said. "He's a 21-year-old male. He's from Northern California and he doesn't have any connection to this area even."

Zanoni says the suspect was listed as stable at the hospital. The deputy involved in this incident was not injured.

Now as investigators continue to collect evidence, neighbors say they have their guard up.

Colette Holm's family has lived in this neighborhood for about 50 years. Now she says, she warns her young daughter to be careful...even while at home.

"When she's home alone, she needs to make sure she locks the door," Holm said. "And we do have a protective dog and she knows she cannot go to the door to see who's there without the dog at her side, so you know, you do have to think about those precautions."

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