Selma police officer shot and killed identified as 24-year-old Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.
Gonzalo Carrasco graduated from Reedley High School in 2016, where he played football and basketball.
SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Selma police officer who was shot and killed on Tuesday has been identified.
Authorities identified the officer as 24-year-old Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. He was with the department for two years.
The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Nathaniel Dixon.
Carrasco Jr. graduated from Reedley High School in 2016, where he played football and basketball.
The shooting happened around 11:45 am Tuesday in the area of Mitchell and Rose.
RELATED: Selma police officer shot and killed by suspect, officials confirm
Officials say Carrasco Jr. was patrolling in the area when he was flagged down by a resident about a suspicious person in a yard.
As Carrasco Jr. got out of his patrol vehicle, investigators say Dixon shot him multiple times.
He was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he died.
Shortly after word of Carrasco Jr.'s death made it's way through the community, candles, flowers, and mourners began to gather at the corner of High Mill and McCall Avenue.
"This is the time for a lost brother that we lost yesterday. I've been a member of this community since 1997, for 25. I served as a police officer here from 2007 to 2014," said Parlier Police Sgt. Dan Barcellos, a long-time Selma resident.
Barcellos spent Wednesday morning tying blue ribbons around trees in Lincoln Park.
"Myself as a police officer I leave every single day. I kiss my kids and my wife and hope I'm going to get to be back home with them, but that's never promised," said Barcellos.
On Highway 99, drivers could see two quotes on the board of Selma Auto Mall. One reading "Our hearts are broken as we pray for our fallen hero. Rest in Peace."
Carrasco was well known by staff there, who say his sister's boyfriend works there as well.
"Then we found out it was a local officer from Selma PD. Nice guy that comes in here all the time," said Sven Greany, a sales manager at Chevrolet.
Later in the day, community members along with friends, former teammates, and fellow officers gathered at the Reedley Sports Park to remember Officer Gonzalo Carrasco on the very field he played soccer on as a child.
The candlelight vigil was organized by Club Aguilas.
"It's heartwarming to see everyone out here. Everyone's paying respects, giving their thanks that he was able to provide service to the city of Selma," said Victor Perez, a friend of Carrasco and a police officer with the State Center Community College District Police Department.
Others in law enforcement upset by the death of Officer Carrasco, but proud of the work he did.
"My heart just goes out to the family of Officer Carrasco and I hope they find comfort soon in knowing that their son died doing what he enjoyed doing," said Reedley Police Chief Joe Garza.
As the community continues to mourn, the Selma City Manager says the city is working closely with the Selma Police Department and family to arrange a memorial, which is expected later this month.
A memorial fund has been set up for the family of the fallen officer.
Contributions to the fund can be sent to:
Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association
C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund
1360 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, Ca 93721.
