Shotgun blast leaves man in critical condition after Fresno marijuana robbery attempt

A 29-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in the torso by a shotgun early Monday during an apparent attempted marijuana robbery in west Fresno.

Tony Botti, spokesman for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies found the victim, who was not named, at a home on the 3400 block of West Olive Avenue after receiving a 911 call from him around 1:20 a.m. that he had been shot.

Detectives learned from the victim’s roommate that three to five unknown men kicked open the door to their home and threatened them at gunpoint. Then one of the suspects fired a shotgun, striking the man in the torso, Botti said.

“It became apparent to detectives that the suspects were there to steal drugs once they discovered 75 marijuana plants growing in an outdoor shed,” Botti said. “The shed showed signs of an attempted break-in, but no plants were missing. Detectives also found a BHO (Butane Honey Oil) lab inside the home. A short distance away from the BHO lab were dozens of illegal fireworks, which presented a major hazard. Detectives seized all drugs and fireworks. No arrests have been made at this time.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 559-600-3111, or Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 or valleycrimestoppers.org. Tips can be made anonymously and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Botti shared the following information about laws regarding marijuana possession and cultivation:

Under California’s Prop 64 law, a person must be at least 21 years old to grow a maximum of six marijuana plants inside a private residence or accessory structure that is fully enclosed and secure.

Fresno County enforces a strict ban on all cannabis cultivation where more than six plants are present. Violations may result in arrest and/or fines starting at $1,000 per marijuana plant for property owners, which can include family members. Prop. 215/SB 420 compliance will not stop enforcement. Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can also be charged, and the county can place lien on property for unpaid fines.

Botti said the sheriff’s office encourages people to report suspected marijuana grow sites. Illegal drug activity can be reported anonymously by calling the narcotics hotline at 1-800-660-1086, or by emailing drugtip@fresnosheriff.org.

This story was originally published November 26, 2018 at 5:56 PM.