Man accused of shooting Fresno officer convicted of felony assault in 2017, court records show

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man accused of shooting a Fresno Police officer has a history of committing violent crimes, including a felony assault conviction in 2017, court records show.

Police say it wasn't the first time they've encountered the suspect, who they identified as 56-year-old Paul Rodriguez Cisneros.

They say he's faced additional charges over the years, including domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is one of the most violent crimes to respond to," said Fresno Police Sergeant Adrian Alvarez.

Alvarez said the department works with the Marjaree Mason Center to provide advocacy for domestic violence victims and training for officers.

The Center provides resources to victims in Fresno, including emergency and longer-term safe housing.

CEO of the Marjaree Mason Center, Leticia Campos, says domestic violence is a repetitive cycle by offenders that often turns deadly.

"What they often turn to is acts of homicide, threats of homicide, threats to harm you or your children, and threats to hurt themselves at the same time," Campos said.

According to an official account, several of those tactics contributed to the escalation of the situation over the weekend.

Police say Cisneros' wife told officers he had threatened to shoot her, shortly before he fired at one of those responding officers.

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Multiple agencies raced to the scene and had to rescue the woman and an 8-year-old girl.

Now, police are grateful that the violence was reported, and the victims are safe.

"Most victims are reluctant, obviously, to report a crime like this when they do call or a neighbor calls, and we're there, I just see a sense of relief in their eyes," said Alvarez.

The Marjaree Mason Center is busy following the weekend shooting.

Officials there say publicity of domestic violence often prompts more calls from victims staying in dangerous situations.

"The irony is they stay because they're trying to survive. Because the moment that they leave, it's so unpredictable and it's so dangerous, which is what we're seeing in this case," said Campos.

Warning signs of domestic violence include isolation, indicators of physical abuse such as bruising, and emotional or psychological abuse.

The officer shot on Saturday is recovering at home and is expected to eventually return to duty.

Monday, police confirmed Cisneros is still in custody in the hospital in critical condition.

They say if Cisneros survives, he will face charges including domestic violence and the attempted murder of a police officer.

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.