Man arrested for stealing bullets from BIG 5, firing semi-automatic weapon in downtown Hanford

A 37-year-old man was arrested after police say he fired several shots using a semi-automatic weapon in an alleyway in downtown Hanford Tuesday afternoon.

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Man arrested for firing shots at person in downtown Hanford
A 37-year-old man was arrested after police say he fired shots at a person in downtown Hanford on Tuesday afternoon.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 37-year-old man was arrested after police say he fired several shots using a semi-automatic weapon in an alleyway in downtown Hanford Tuesday afternoon.

Hanford police say the suspect, Jermain Nortarte, walked into the BIG 5 Sporting Goods store on Lacey Boulevard and asked to see ammunition for a .22 caliber long rifle.

When the store clerk took out a box of bullets, Nortarte started loading them into a semi-automatic handgun. Officials say the employee tried to stop Nortarte, but he ran out of the store.

Shortly after, police received several reports of a man firing shots near an alleyway in downtown Hanford, off Irwin Street.

Officers found Nartarte with the loaded gun and arrested him. No one was injured.

Investigators say Notarte is a convicted felon. He was booked into the Kings County Jail and faces charges, including two counts of attempted murder.