Man arrested for pulling out replica gun, making threats in east central Fresno business, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An Ace Hardware store in east central Fresno was evacuated for reports of an armed man.

Police say just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, they received a call that an armed man was inside the Ace Hardware on Belmont near Maple Avenue.

Investigators say the suspect was pointing a replica firearm at shoppers and making threats.

Responding officers were able to evacuate everyone from the business safely.

The suspect eventually came out of the store and was taken into custody.

Police say their investigation is ongoing, but that the man faces multiple charges.

Traffic on Belmont Avenue was shut down for about 15 minutes.

Stay with Action News for more on this developing story.