Clovis man dies after argument; neighbor arrested

A 54-year-old Clovis man died Wednesday night after an argument with his neighbor, and the neighbor, Victor Topete, 28, faces manslaughter charges.

Police spokesman James Munro said officers found the victim unconscious in the 400 block of West San Jose Avenue about 11 p.m., after receiving a call for help. Emergency workers attempted CPR, and rushed the man to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators learned that the man was struck by a neighbor, later identified as Topete, during a verbal argument, causing the man to collapse. Munro said Topete fled, but was found in a car at Highway 41 and Children’s Boulevard in Madera County and was taken into custody.

Topete was booked into Fresno County Jail on manslaughter charges and also for a probation violation.

This story was originally published April 16, 2020 at 1:00 PM.