Fresno police searching for armed suspect after officer shot, woman and child rescued

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that wounded an officer after authorities initially responded to a domestic violence call in Southwest Fresno on Saturday night.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from a previous broadcast and will be updated.

Around 6:30 p.m., officers arrived at a home near Jensen Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and made contact with a woman who had reached out to authorities.

According to police, the suspect, a 56-year-old man, threatened to shoot his wife. He eventually got into his car and tried to leave, almost hitting her with his vehicle.

At that time, the suspect was not at home. Officers began investigating and searching other locations where they believed he might be.

Around 9:30 p.m., officers went back to the home, and that's when they found that the suspect's vehicle had returned.

As soon as Fresno police stepped out of their vehicle, shots were fired.

A 26-year-old officer was shot multiple times in the arm. He was taken to the hospital and expected to recover.

Officers in a BearCat vehicle rescued the woman and an 8-year-old girl from the home.

The suspect is still missing and is armed with a handgun.

According to Chief Mindy Casto, the suspect is moving between homes in the neighborhood.

Initially, around 80 officers responded to the scene, and over 30 SWAT team members, two BearCats, a helicopter, FPD drones, SWAT drones, a CHP aircraft and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office are assisting with the investigation.

SWAT team members are looking to negotiate with the suspect once they make contact with him.

Authorities say the suspect has made comments about not wanting to go back to prison.

Chief Casto says the suspect is wanted for multiple charges and has a lengthy criminal history, including 2 charges of assault with a deadly weapon, property crime, domestic violence, and gang involvement.

The area is still a very active scene.

For those living in the area, authorities say to stay indoors and to call the Fresno Police Department if they have any questions and concerns about their safety.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

This is a developing story. Stay with Action News for updates.