‘Mind-boggling’: Business reacts to ‘surprising’ shooting at River Park

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fresno Police have identified the man arrested and accused of firing shots outside the Ruth’s Chris Steak House at River Park on Wednesday night.

That man, 18-year-old George Ruiz, is facing multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon.

It’s the first shooting in some time for the popular Fresno shopping center.

One business owner there told YourCentralValley.com it is surprising, but added it can happen anywhere.

“This is a family-oriented shopping center, and that’s mind-boggling how an individual would come out here and start shooting around this area,” said Roman Gonzales, owner of River Park’s Drip On Drip.

Fresno Police first received reports of the shooting around 7:30 p.m.

They say the 18-year-old Ruiz opened fire on an SUV following some sort of dispute, hitting the vehicle but missing the occupants.

Investigators say Ruiz was seen leaving the parking lot and began running across Blackstone Avenue when officers arrived on scene.

 “Where is he?” An officer could be heard asking dispatch, as recorded by Broadcastify. “To the westbound next to the Sam’s Club,” another officer could be heard responding.

Near the Sam’s Club is where police say a squad car collided with Ruiz. 

They claim his hand was on his waistband near his gun right before the collision.

He was taken to the hospital briefly with minor injuries.

“It was somewhat surprising that it happened here,” said Gonzales. “But to have it happen in North Fresno, it’s not an uncommon situation.”

Gonzales is no stranger to crime in the area, with his store seeing several break-ins and thefts over the past few years.

Still, he says he feels safe at River Park and says shoppers should, too.

He even applauded recent efforts from security.

 “The security for River Park, they are very proactive nowadays. They visit us every other day,” said Gonzales, even handing YourCentralValley.com reports he’s given regularly by security show in suspicious people they’re on the lookout for.

He also says police are always nearby.

“We do see a lot of police presence here and for the suspect to get caught very quickly yesterday, that’s a big plus.”

He hopes their quick response sends a clear message to would-be lawbreakers.

“I’m hoping that gives awareness to any other thieves or anybody else that’s trying to start any mischief out here, that they’ll think twice before doing it,” said Gonzales.