Suspect barricaded inside Save Mart in northeast Fresno after deputy-involved shooting
The store was quickly evacuated. Officials said the suspect was the only person that remained inside.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A suspect remains barricaded inside the Save Mart store in northeast Fresno hours after running from law enforcement from River Park.
It all began at about 7 pm on Thursday in the parking lot of the River Park shopping center.
An off-duty deputy was in the parking lot outside Macy's when they noticed three people who were wanted in connection to a robbery.
The deputy called for backup.
When the suspects saw the deputies closing in, two of them ran back into the Macy's store. They were later taken into custody.
The third suspect hopped in a car.
Sheriff's officials said they tried to stop the car, but the suspect crashed into several squad cars.
One deputy ended up shooting at the suspect, but the suspect still managed to escape.
Authorities chased the suspect down Nees Avenue toward First Street. That's when the suspect got out of the car and ran into the Save Mart grocery store.
VIDEO: Drone footage shows officers surrounding Fresno Save Mart
The store was quickly evacuated. Officials said the suspect was the only person that remained inside.
"The good news is we have no one in the public injured, none of our deputies are injured, and so the primary priority right now is getting this guy into custody," said Tony Botti, spokesperson for the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement says they're hoping this can come to a peaceful resolution.
Multiple agencies were surrounding the store Friday morning.
Clovis Unified officials said the start time for Kastner Intermediate School has been delayed until 10:50 am. That includes all drop-off, walk-in and school bus arrivals. Zero period classes held before the school's regular start time are also canceled.
The school is located down the street from the grocery store. District officials said the delay is to help reduce traffic in the area for law enforcement.
"Please plan for a one-hour notification should we be able to start the school day. If the situation is not resolved by 11:30 a.m. we will take steps to cancel the school day entirely," officials said in a news release.
