Fresno police headed to a traffic accident. It turns into a shooting investigation

It started out already strange, with Fresno police responding to reports Sunday afternoon of a car crashing and hitting an auto parts store.

By the time officers arrived, it had become the latest shooting in the city, with two men suffering gunshot wounds.

The incident began about 3 p.m., according to Sgt. Mike Smith, with officers receiving reports that a vehicle had hit the side wall of an Auto Zone store at Marks and Ashlan avenues.

Then came the update: The crash also involved victims of a shooting.

Officers arrived and found three men inside the business, waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Two had gunshot wounds and another appeared to have been hurt in the crash.

All three were taken to the hospital, Smith said, with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

There was a small hole punched into the wall. Glass littered Marks Avenue.

Officers believe the car was headed north on Marks, but have no details what led to the shooting and crash.

The intersection at Marks and Ashlan was closed while officers continued their investigation.

This story was originally published August 9, 2020 at 5:01 PM.