Suspect in Fresno ‘hostage situation’ outside Manchester named by police

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The suspect who was shot in the head by officers after holding a woman hostage with a knife near Fresno’s Manchester Center Thursday has been named by the Fresno Police Department.

The incident began on Thursday morning when police say a FAX bus driver reported a woman brandishing a knife near the FAX building outside Manchester Center.

When officers arrived, they reported the woman, identified as 39-year-old Joanna Lopez, failed to obey orders to put the knife down. Lopez then approached a victim from behind and placed the knife on the back of the victim’s neck.

Police say they continued to ask Lopez to drop the weapon, and when she refused, one officer fired a single shot to her head area. Lopez and the victim both fell to the ground, and after disarming Lopez, they began administering CPR.

Fresno Police say the victim was not physically injured, however, Lopez was transported to a local hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Investigators have not disclosed whether or not Lopez has a history with authorities or in regards to her mental stability.