Police: Fresno smoke shop owner appears justified in fatal shootings during robbery

The fatal shooting of two suspected robbers by a smoke shop owner last week in central Fresno appears in a preliminary investigation to be justified, police reported Monday.

Lt. Larry Bowlan said the shooting Friday night at Smoke-N-Vape, in the 2000 block of North Blackstone, remains under review by his department and the case will be referred to the Fresno County District Attorney.

Killed in the shooting were Chris Casas, 22, of Fresno and Jesus Gonzalez, 18, who had an unknown city of residence, according to the Fresno County Coroner’s Office. A third suspect ran from the scene and is being sought in the investigation.

The robbery took place about 9:30 p.m. Police were sent to the store after a department ShotSpotter system detected gunfire. Arriving officers found Casas and Gonzalez on the ground with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies, and administered first aid, said Bowlan, but the two died after they were rushed to Community Regional Medical Center.

Bowlan said investigators believe three men wearing hoodies and masks walked into the smoke shop and one, armed with a handgun, forced the clerk to the floor. The other two took cash and merchandise. The store owner was returning to the store to lock up, and retrieved a firearm when he apparently saw what was taking place. As the suspects walked out, one fired at the owner, who returned fire.

“From evidence at the scene, it does appear that he was shooting back in self-defense,” Bowlan said. “We will confer with the district attorney to make the final determination.

“The reality is that, in this state, if you are being shot at, you have the right to defend yourself.”

Police are attempting to determine if the robbery is connected to another smoke shop robbery the previous week, in the 200 block of North Maple Avenue. There, armed bandits took cash and merchandise before escaping. Bowlan said investigators found no illegal contraband or drugs inside the Blackstone store that might be the target of a robbery.

Bowlan acknowledged police are aware of vigils that appear to have been organized by friends of the two slain men. On Saturday, one was held near the store, and on Sunday, votive candles and beer were left by the smoke shop’s front door. Graffiti was also left on store windows.

Anyone with information about the suspect who escaped from the scene is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867.

This story was originally published December 23, 2019 at 2:32 PM.