One dead, one in serious condition after mile-long gun battle on Fresno highway
A woman in her early 20s was shot and killed late Tuesday after a gun battle on Highway 180 towards Highway 99, the California Highway Patrol said.
Highway 180 west of Blackstone Avenue was shut down for the homicide investigation most of the night and early Wednesday.
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CHP spokesman Mike Salas said shots were fired around 10 p.m. between two vehicles. A Toyota Camry was hit multiple times, striking the woman on the driver side and the man in the front seat.
The man, described as in his early 30s, was transported to Community Regional Medical Center and is listed in serious condition.
The woman killed was identified Wednesday by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Ernestine Thomas, 21, of Fresno.
Numerous shell casings were found and the scene was a mile long, Salas said.
Officers believe the shooting was on the westbound 180, just around Highway 41 and continued towards Highway 99 when the vehicle came to a stop on the shoulder.
“All indications are right now that this is maybe a gang-related shooting just based on what we’re finding right now,” Salas said.
Officers are locating surveillance video and looking into ShotSpotter with Fresno Police.
Anyone with information is asked to CHP at 559-262-0400.
This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 7:06 AM.
