Fresno police chief, mayor reply to allegations man shot by police was unarmed

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama and Mayor Jerry Dyer on Monday night rapidly responded to an allegation by California Lawyer Normal Rob Bonta that a man fatally shot Saturday by police could have been unarmed when shot.

“Whereas I’m saddened by the lack of life, I’m very grateful that the Metropolis of Fresno didn’t lose an officer within the line of responsibility whereas defending our neighborhood,” Balderrama stated in a press release.

Earlier Monday, Bonta stated his Division of Justice investigators would look into the capturing as a result of it appeared the person was unarmed when he was shot.

Trade of fireplace

The shooting took place Saturday evening close to Herndon and Ingram avenues, the place police stated there was an change of fireplace between a suspect and officers. The person was shot and killed and an officer struck in his bullet resistant vest, apparently saving his life, police stated. Different gunshots struck a police automobile.

Bonta’s assertion stated a “preliminary investigation signifies that the decedent was not in possession of a lethal weapon on the time of the deadly capturing.”

Investigation welcomed

Whereas saying that he welcomed an investigation of the officer-involved capturing, required below California invoice AB1506, Balderrama added:

“In simply over a month, we’ve had two Central Valley law enforcement officials shot by gang members who … shouldn’t have been in possession of a firearm.” Balderrama stated, additionally referring to the slaying of Selma police officer Gonzolo Carrasco, killed in January.

‘Officers place lives in peril’

“Law enforcement officials willingly place their lives in peril to guard our neighborhood day-after-day and can proceed to take action.”

“We welcome, assist, and belief DOJ’s investigative course of and can cooperate in each means we are able to,” Balderrama added.

Police, by the chief, supplied this model of the occasions:

“The knowledge is as follows: the lone suspect on this case fired a gun at officers, a Fresno police officer was shot within the chest however fortunately his bullet-proof vest stopped the bullet from penetrating his physique, one in every of our police automobiles acquired a number of bullet strikes through the incident, two firearms have been present in or close to the decedent’s automobile, and freshly spent casings have been discovered inside his automobile.”

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Confidence in DOJ probe

“I’m assured that DOJ’s thorough investigation will reveal all particular actions main as much as the capturing, (see hooked up footage),” Balderrama’s assertion continued. “Moreover, there may be body-worn video which is being reviewed by DOJ, and can’t be launched right now.”

“I need to guarantee our neighborhood that the Fresno Police Division has been and can proceed to do all we are able to to maintain our neighborhood protected, cut back violent crime and accomplish that in an neutral {and professional} method, with transparency and accountability.”

Dyer’s feedback

Stated Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer in a quick assertion:

“The impartial investigation by the Division of Justice is welcomed and in keeping with the latest passage of California Regulation.”