Man slain by gunshots in central Fresno. Officers looking for passenger in his car

Fresno police report a man was shot to death in central Fresno early Tuesday, the second gun homicide of the night under investigation by detectives.

The man was identified as 25-year-old James Roby of Fresno.

The fatal shooting was discovered after officers sped around 3 a.m. to East Olive and North Blackstone avenues, where the department’s ShotSpotter system recorded 10 gunshots, said Sgt. Jeff La Blue.

At the scene, officers discovered a tan sedan with a male victim at the wheel in critical condition. He was rushed to a hospital, where he died. Police believe a passenger in the car ran from the scene.

The first shooting of the night took place about 7 p.m., at North Barton and East Washington avenues, where 17-year-old Lance San of Fresno died after he was rushed to a hospital. He also was driving when the shooting took place.

La Blue said police were busy overnight responding to shootings, and the homicides kept officers so busy that they had difficulty responding to two other shooting incidents.

There have been 36 homicides so far in 2020, with nine in September, he added.

This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 9:25 AM.