Teen shot in head in Fig Garden, shooter at large

A 17-year-old boy was shot in the head during a robbery late Sunday night in Fig Garden and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, the Fresno County Sheriff's Officer reported Monday.

The shooting took place about 11:45 p.m. near Van Ness and Rialto avenues, said spokesman Tony Botti. The teen was with a friend outside a home when an SUV occupied by several people drove up and demanded the teens surrender their belongings. Instead, the teens ran and someone in the car fired several gunshots, striking one boy in the head. The boy's companion was able to get inside a home and asked for an occupant to call for help.

An arriving deputy provided medial assistance until paramedics arrived and rushed the victim to Community Regional Medical Center.

Botti said sheriff's detectives are working with counterparts in the Fresno police department, who reported that the robbery may be related to similar crimes Sunday night nearby in the city.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.

This story was originally published June 25, 2018 at 6:29 AM.