Deputies search for armed suspect near Fresno High

Update: Suspect eluded perimeter; Search called off.

Sheriff’s deputies and police were searching for a possibly armed suspect near Fresno High late Thursday night.

The search followed a pursuit by members of the MAGEC multi-agency, anti-gang unit that came to an end about 9:30 p.m. near East Weldon and North Ferger avenues.

Fresno County Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti said the MAGEC detectives had attempted to pull over a vehicle with two suspects inside, at least one of whom was believed to be armed.

The car sped away but stopped near the search scene, where one of the men ran. The second suspect was detained, but deputies did not find the firearm in the car.

Deputies called in a helicopter and also a search dog to find the second suspect.

This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 10:30 PM.