Police searching for suspects, vehicle possibly connected to Hanford double-shooting of father, son

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- Flashing police cars lit up 12th avenue in Hanford as police responded to a shooting turned crash.

Inside the vehicle, was a 29-year-old man and his 4-year-old son - both had been shot.

"The 29-year-old victim was hit 3 times, in the upper torso and arm area and four-year-old child was hit in the head," said Hanford Police Sgt. Justin Valin.

That shooting happening around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Chevron off the 12th avenue and Hanford-Armona Road.

Detectives say the two victims were at a birthday party and stopped at the gas station to fuel up before heading back home to Coalinga.

"That is when they encountered two subjects inside the gas station. Some words were exchanged outside and then it led to inside," Valin said.

According to police the 29-year-old got back in his car and drove towards the two male suspects.

"It does appear that he possibly was trying to hit them, however, several other interviews have to be conducted," Valin said.

Multiple shots were fired, three hitting the 29-year-old man and on hitting his son in the head.

Police say they believe the bullet did not penetrate his skull.

After they were shot, they crashed their vehicle into a pole.

"We don't think that the 4-year-old was an intended target, we believe the father was the intended target, however, he was right in the line of sight," Valin said.

According to investigators both victims are expected to survive.

Valin says investigators might know what started it all.

"We believe the situation was gang-related and due to the victim's gang affiliation, we believe that had something to do with it," he said.

Officials released surveillance photos asking the public's help identifying the suspected shooter, who was wearing a black baseball cap, and a man seen with him in the store.

Police are also looking for the suspect's vehicle, pictured driving away from the scene.

Detectives encourage anyone who knows or sees the suspects to call the Hanford Police Department.