The search for the man suspected of gunning down one woman in front of her children and injuring another woman in Southwest Fresno Wednesday afternoon ended after police arrested the man during a SWAT standoff just blocks away from the scene of the crime.
During a news conference Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer identified the suspect as a 20-year-old African-American male and a validated Dog Pound gang member.
He was arrested on one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of armed robbery.
Chief Dyer said they were led to the suspect following numerous tips from the Crime Stoppers hotline and were able to isolate a residence they believed he was hiding at on 1041 E. Vine Ave.
The double shooting happened in area of Clara and George around 11:30 a.m.
Police say the suspect approached the two women, demanding their purses. The women, who did not speak English, became confused, apparently not understanding what the man was asking for.
According to witnesses the man then became angry and shot both women, killing one and wounding the other.
The injured woman, who is reportedly 7 months pregnant, was taken to the hospital. Police say her injuries are non- life threatening.
The woman who was killed has been identified as Efigenia Mesa Perez, 29. The woman taken to the hospital is identified as Geremias Leon Garcia, 24.
Chief Dyer said the Fresno police department will be taking extra steps to crack down on gang violence with increased patrols in Southwest Fresno for the next 30 days.
After that, Chief Dyer said the department will put in place a permanent plan to target African-American gangs, similar to the department's "Operation Bulldog" plan.
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/8860552.html
During a news conference Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer identified the suspect as a 20-year-old African-American male and a validated Dog Pound gang member.
He was arrested on one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and two counts of armed robbery.
Chief Dyer said they were led to the suspect following numerous tips from the Crime Stoppers hotline and were able to isolate a residence they believed he was hiding at on 1041 E. Vine Ave.
The double shooting happened in area of Clara and George around 11:30 a.m.
Police say the suspect approached the two women, demanding their purses. The women, who did not speak English, became confused, apparently not understanding what the man was asking for.
According to witnesses the man then became angry and shot both women, killing one and wounding the other.
The injured woman, who is reportedly 7 months pregnant, was taken to the hospital. Police say her injuries are non- life threatening.
The woman who was killed has been identified as Efigenia Mesa Perez, 29. The woman taken to the hospital is identified as Geremias Leon Garcia, 24.
Chief Dyer said the Fresno police department will be taking extra steps to crack down on gang violence with increased patrols in Southwest Fresno for the next 30 days.
After that, Chief Dyer said the department will put in place a permanent plan to target African-American gangs, similar to the department's "Operation Bulldog" plan.
http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/8860552.html
