Update: Suspect struck by Fresno police patrol car after shooting at River Park
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Suspect fired shots near Ruth’s Chris Steak House at 7:30 p.m. in River Park.
- Fresno police patrol struck suspect with vehicle after foot chase near Sam’s Club.
- Detectives recovered a firearm and continue to investigate possible disturbance.
A man was struck by a Fresno police patrol vehicle after he allegedly fired shots outside Ruth’s Chris Steak House at River Park.
The shooting started at 7:30 p.m.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said officers were already patrolling in the area when they heard at least five gunshots. An officer then saw a man with a gun running from the parking lot and across Blackstone Avenue to Sam’s Club.
Other officers responded and one of the patrol vehicles, which was going less than 20 mph, hit the man, Casto said.
Police in an update Thursday said the suspect was holding his waistband area where his gun was being held prior to getting hit by the patrol vehicle. Officers were able to safely arrest the suspect and recover the gun.
The suspect, identified by police as 18-year-old George Ruiz, was taken to a hospital for his injuries and was detained, Casto said.
Detectives determined the man was involved in a disturbance with another vehicle driving through the area, at which time the suspect fired shots at that vehicle as it drove onto Blackstone and left the area.
The vehicle that was shot at returned to the scene and contacted officers about the incident, police said.
The vehicle was found to have been struck by gunfire once during the incident. The occupants in the vehicle were not injured.
Ruiz was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and related gun charges, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 559-621-7000.
This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 9:45 PM.
