OFFICERS SAY USE OF FORCE WAS JUSTIFIED TO STOP SHOOTING SUSPECT NEAR RIVER PARK MALL
Police in Fresno, California, arrested 18-year-old George Ruiz on Sunday night after a violent series of events that began with gunfire near the River Park shopping center and ended when an officer struck the armed suspect with a patrol SUV.
Authorities say Ruiz fired multiple rounds at a moving vehicle around 7:30 p.m., injuring one person in the arm. He then allegedly attempted a carjacking at gunpoint but failed and fled on foot, still carrying a loaded handgun.
Responding officers located Ruiz in a nearby parking lot. During the pursuit, police say he ignored commands to surrender and posed an immediate threat while holding the weapon. One officer used his patrol SUV to stop Ruiz, striking him and throwing him onto the vehicle’s hood before he fell to the ground.
Multiple officers then detained Ruiz, recovering a .40-caliber pistol with an extended magazine at the scene.
Ruiz sustained non-life-threatening injuries, including possible fractures, and was transported to a local hospital before being booked into the Fresno County Jail. He faces several felony charges, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, and resisting arrest.
The Fresno Police Department (FPD) defended the officer’s actions, stating that the maneuver was necessary to prevent further violence. The incident remains under standard internal review, but no charges have been announced against the officer involved.
Officials emphasized that the suspect’s quick apprehension likely prevented additional harm to bystanders or law enforcement.
The injured shooting victim is expected to recover, according to police.
