Store employee shot in Fresno during beer theft suspects’ getaway, police say

Two suspects in an after-hours beer theft critically wounded a woman working at a Winco in southeast Fresno early Friday, Fresno police reported.

The victim is in critical-but-stable condition after being struck by two bullets, said Sgt. Diana Trueba Vega. Detectives were at the scene for hours after the incident, which happened about 3:30 a.m. at South Peach and East Lane avenues.

Trueba Vega said the victim and another store employee apparently saw the suspects leaving the store about 3:30 a.m. with the alcohol, which cannot be purchased after 2 a.m.

The victim walked out of the store to check the parking lot when one of the suspects opened fire, striking her twice. The second employee was not injured.

The sergeant said it is not believed that there was any confrontation between the employee and the suspects. One simply pulled out a gun and fired.

Police did not release any more information about the suspects and Trueba Vega said she was hopeful that investigators captured video evidence of the pair.

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 8:26 AM.