Officers injured, suspect shot after Fresno home invasion robbery

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Several police officers were injured following a home-invasion robbery that ended with a suspect being shot, Fresno police say.

Around 7:20 a.m. Sunday, the department received word of what was reported as a burglary, but turned into a home-invasion robbery as the tenant was home at the time.

Reports say three suspects with masks, and at least one wearing a ballistic vest, identified themselves by yelling “Police!” before entering the apartment unit in the 4800 block of North Backer Avenue.

Investigators say a large safe was taken, which the suspects were able to move outside.

As officers began arriving moments later, the suspects abandoned the safe.

One of the suspects ran from the scene, while the other two jumped into their vehicle and tried to flee. 

Detectives say an officer on foot in the parking lot was nearly run over as they drove past, and that officer shot at the suspects.

The vehicle continued driving on Shaw Avenue and onto the Fresno State campus, about a quarter of a mile away. 

Once on campus, officers decided to deploy the Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) to stop the vehicle safely so it would not be a danger to the public.

At that point, investigators say the vehicle’s driver jumped out of the car and police officers fired their weapons at him.  He was struck by the gunfire and apprehended by a K-9 officer. He was then transported to an area hospital where he is in custody.

The vehicle’s passenger was taken into custody without incident and was uninjured.

The third suspect remains outstanding, but police say they believe they will be able to identify him as they have video of the trio.

Investigators say it is very early into the investigation, so they are working to determine if the suspects fired weapons at police at either scene, but a shotgun was found indicating that the suspects were armed.

Several officers were injured as a result of the PIT and the subsequent collision, with most reporting complaints of pain. They are receiving medical care at an area hospital and are all expected to recover.

Investigators say this home-invasion robbery may have been planned as thought was put into the clothes the suspects chose to wear, and the theft doesn’t appear to be random.

The District Attorney’s office and the Office of Independent Review are both on-scene investigating.

If anyone has information in this case, they can call Fresno Police at 559-621-7000.