18-year-old shooting suspect hit by Fresno police car in River Park identified

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At around 7:30 pm Wednesday, gunfire erupted in the parking lot outside of the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse at the River Park Shopping Center.

Police say the suspect, now identified as 18-year-old George Ruiz, was involved in some kind of disturbance before firing close to five rounds at a car.

He then started running towards Universal Park across the street.

"An officer observed a subject running from the location across Blackstone and took off on foot chasing the suspect. He could tell the subject was armed," says Mindy Casto, Fresno Police Chief.

Ruiz led police all the way outside of the Sam's Club, where he was stopped moments later when a 20-year veteran of the force struck him with his patrol car, as he held his waistband concealing his gun.

Police say the officer was going less than 20 MPH.

RELATED: Shooting suspect arrested after being hit by Fresno Police car in River Park, police say

An investigation is now underway to determine if the use of force was justified.

"We take use of force very seriously. Our policy is to take action when a vehicle used as forced like that. It triggers a response like this, a full investigation, so that's what we're doing out here," says Chief Casto.

The motive for the shooting is unclear at this time, but police say no one was hit by the gunfire.

Action News has learned Ruiz has no previous criminal history.

Alex Williams manages Devon's Jewelers in the same shopping center, and he saw the cop cars racing into the parking lot.

"It's not shocking at all. This stuff happens around the area; you hear a lot about it. People who are constantly in this area talk about it all the time. You don't want to be here past a certain hour," says Williams.

The chaotic scene didn't stop folks from going to the popular shopping center the next day.

"Sad to hear that that could happen in an area that you think is safe, but maybe not so much. Maybe they need to have more security here to make you feel a little safer," says Julie Taylor Vogtman, River Park Shopper.

Fresno Police have informed Action News that they do not plan to add more security, considering this incident.

Ruiz is facing several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.

For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colón on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.