Family of man fatally shot by Fresno Police speaks to Action News

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tense moments unfolded Friday in a southeast Fresno neighborhood near Calwa after gunshots were reported just before noon during a police response to a family disturbance.

Fresno police said officers were called to a home near 11th Street and Burns Avenue, where a 42-year-old man, described as a son who arrived armed and was not wanted, prompted concern. Officers made contact with the suspect and attempted to defuse the situation, authorities said. At one point, police said the man presented a firearm as a threat, and officers opened fire, killing him.

Neighbors reported hearing multiple rounds of gunfire.

"We heard five other rounds, then we heard automatic gunfire," said Crystal Reyna.

The shooting led to road closures for several hours, a lockdown at Calwa Elementary School, and a significant police presence in the area.

During a press briefing Friday, Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said crisis negotiators had spoken with the suspect for nearly an hour before the shooting occurred.

"This individual had a firearm. I'm eternally grateful that every one of my officers on this scene is going home safe today. I feel terrible for this family. Obviously, they've been struggling with their son and it's a tragedy for them. We'll do our best to help get them through the investigation and find out what happened and establish the facts," Casto said.

It remains unclear whether the suspect fired at officers. No officers were injured.

Action News returned to the neighborhood Monday and spoke with the suspect's mother and sister, who said they were saddened by the death and believe the situation unfolded differently than described by police.

Neighbors said the incident came as a shock and ended in tragedy.

"They are a really loving family. His dad is already really old, his wife also, they're really loving. The son, I think he's had history with the cops, so he's not so friendly," Reyna said.

"Hopefully the family can feel peace and be okay with what happened," she added.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

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