Fresno police officer shoots suspect during confrontation

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police say a man armed with a gun who was shot during a confrontation with officers early Monday morning is expected to survive. Officers first fired a less-lethal Taser, then drew their weapons when they say it had no effect on the convicted felon.

The officer-involved shooting happened near Abby and McKenzie in Central Fresno. The suspect was shot after police say he wrestled with officers and then fired the gun he was armed with. The officers were not hit and one of them fired back, hitting the suspect once in the abdomen.

Fresno police say the intense and violent confrontation began around 2:30 a.m. when officers tried to stop 34-year-old Patrick Hall near Blackstone and Divisadero. He had a backpack on and was riding a bike.

Police Chief Jerry Dyer says Hall was armed with a gun, likely high on meth, and not willing to stop, so he pedaled and then ran away from officers until they came face-to-face with him in an alley.

"They wrestled to the ground and it was at some point that the suspect pulled out a semi-automatic gun," said Dyer. "The officer saw this, attempted to disarm the suspect by grabbing the firearm, and the suspect fired one round."

Officers were able to grab the gun from Hall and one officer fired two rounds. One of them hit the suspect in the abdomen. But, even a bullet wound didn't stop the suspect, who Dyer says jumped a fence and tried to break into a nearby home.

The chief says the officers had minor injuries and will be OK. But, things could have been far worse.

"We're very, very fortunate today that we do not have a police officer or two shot and killed, and based on the information we have at this time, these officers used incredible restraint," said Dyer.

After the crime scene tape was taken down Monday, neighbors didn't say much, except that their neighborhood has become an unsafe place where gunfire has become common.

The suspect has a long criminal history. He was released from prison in February after serving time for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. His prior convictions also include drug-related charges.

Police also say the suspect had meth on him.

The officers were treated for shoulder pain, and cuts and bruises from the scuffle. They will now be on paid-administrative leave for the next few days.