Police evacuate Fresno hardware store after reports of armed man. Gun was fake
A Fresno hardware store was evacuated following reports of an armed suspect making threats inside the business.
The situation unfolded at the Ace Hardware store near Belmont and Maple avenues around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Fresno police Lt. Larry Bowlan said.
Police received a report of an armed subject. Officers established a perimeter and evacuated the store, Bowlan said.
When the suspect realized the store was empty, he exited the store and was taken into custody.
Bowlan said the suspect made threats to several employees, and the reported firearm he brandished turned out to be a replica handgun.
The suspect, a male in his late 20s, hasn’t been identified and is in custody for multiple counts of brandishing, Bowlan said. Authorities are investigating whether to bring additional charges.
