Argument led to fatal shooting at river overlook in northwest Fresno, police say

A verbal argument involving Brandyn Harris and his friends with the occupants of another car preceded a fatal shooting at a river bluff in northwest Fresno, police reported Wednesday.

Harris, 26, died at the scene of the shooting near North Milburn and West Alluvial avenues Monday afternoon.

According to Lt. Larry Bowlan, the incident started shortly after 2 p.m. as Harris and two friends were in the parking lot that overlooks the San Joaquin River when a disturbance began with another group.

Harris was shot by someone in the second group, and the driver of that car then sped away. Several people were trying to help Harris when officers arrived, but Harris did not survive. Bowlan said Harris and his friends do not live in the area.

Fresno City Council member Mike Karbassi, who represents the northeast district where the shooting took place, asked Tuesday that the overlook be temporarily closed while safety improvements are made. Karbassi called a meeting with residents on Thursday afternoon to discuss the issue with police.

The meeting will be at the Norman Liddell Elementary School, 5455 W. Alluvial Ave., at 5:30 p.m. in the school’s multipurpose room.

Police asked that anyone with information on the shooting call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP.

This story was originally published February 19, 2020 at 10:34 AM.