Children were in the backseat of the vehicles as shooting unfolded on Fresno County highway
In the latest gang-suspected shooting in Fresno County, the presence of children in both the shooter’s vehicle and the victim’s car did nothing to stop bullets from flying.
The California Highway Patrol said an alleged gang member fired multiple shots at another vehicle around 6:12 p.m. Friday while at a red light on southbound Highway 41 at Adams Avenue.
Two children were in the back seat of the victim’s car, and one juvenile was in the back seat of the shooter’s vehicle, according to CHP spokesman Mike Salas.
Salas added that the shooter possibly recognized the victim who was in the vehicle next to him then sprayed bullets at the victim’s vehicle.
Both vehicles fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
The victim, a man in his 30s, was transported to Community Regional Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds to the neck and torso. He underwent surgery and was listed in critical condition.
A CHP patrol unit eventually stopped the shooter’s Hyundai Santa Fe that was traveling recklessly at speeds near 90 mph and passing other vehicles on North Avenue near Orange Avenue, Salas said.
CHP discovered the Santa Fe was involved in the shooting. In addition, a loaded handgun was discovered under the child passenger safety seat.
The 27-year-old suspected shooter was arrested without incident, CHP said. He will face attempted murder and child endangerment charges.
It was unclear if any of the children were injured in the shooting. CHP said the children were turned over to family members.
The victim vehicle was occupied by an adult female driver, the adult male victim and two children under the age of 10.
Salas said the suspect’s vehicle was occupied by an adult female driver, adult male suspect and a child in a car seat.
The investigation is ongoing.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 11:53 PM.
