Fresno Officer Shooting Leads to Major Southwest Fresno Manhunt

A Fresno officer shooting turned a domestic violence call into a major overnight manhunt in Southwest Fresno.

Police identified the suspect as 56-year-old Paul Rodriguez Cisneros. Officers said the case began Saturday evening after a domestic violence report near East Garrett Avenue and South Clara Avenue.

The situation escalated later that night when officers returned to arrest Cisneros. Police said gunfire erupted as two officers stepped out of their patrol car. A 26-year-old Fresno police officer was shot multiple times in the arm.

Police said the officer was rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover.

Officers First Responded to a Domestic Violence Report

Fresno police said officers first responded around 6:30 p.m. Saturday after a woman reported a domestic disturbance.

Investigators identified Cisneros as the suspect. Police said he was wanted on domestic violence-related charges, including assault with a deadly weapon involving a vehicle and criminal threats.

Officers also said Cisneros was believed to be armed with a handgun.

Attempted Arrest Turns Violent

Later that night, officers returned to the area to make an arrest.

Police said that at about 9:30 p.m., two officers arrived and stepped out of their patrol car. Authorities said Cisneros opened fire.

One officer was hit multiple times in the arm. A second officer was not injured.

The wounded officer was taken to the hospital. Fresno police later said he was released and is expected to recover.

Woman and Child Rescued During Standoff

During the response, officers used a BearCat armored vehicle to rescue a woman and an 8-year-old girl from the home.

Police then expanded the search across the neighborhood. Officers said the suspect was moving between homes as law enforcement worked to locate him.

The response quickly grew. Fresno police said SWAT teams, drones, helicopters, BearCats, CHP aircraft, and other law enforcement units joined the manhunt.

Suspect Found Near Bardell and Vine

In the latest update, Fresno police said Cisneros was found near Bardell and Vine avenues in Southwest Fresno.

Police said he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken into custody. Emergency crews transported him to Community Regional Medical Center.

His condition was not immediately released.

Police also said the investigation remains active.

Charges Police Say Cisneros Faces

Fresno police said Cisneros is wanted in connection with multiple charges, including:

Attempted murder of a police officer
Domestic violence-related charges
Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon
Two counts of resisting an executive officer
Felon in possession of a firearm

Authorities have not released the name of the wounded officer.

What Is Confirmed

Police identified the suspect as Paul Rodriguez Cisneros, 56.

The first call started near East Garrett Avenue and South Clara Avenue.

A 26-year-old Fresno police officer was shot multiple times in the arm.

Police said the officer is expected to recover.

A woman and an 8-year-old girl were rescued from the home using a BearCat.

Police later found Cisneros near Bardell and Vine avenues with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

What Is Not Yet Confirmed

Police have not released the wounded officer’s name.

Authorities have not released the full timeline of every movement during the manhunt.

Police have not fully detailed the suspect’s medical condition after he was taken to the hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Domestic Violence Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

In Fresno County, people can contact the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available at (800) 799-7233.

Quick Facts

Story: Fresno officer shooting
Suspect: Paul Rodriguez Cisneros, 56
Initial location: East Garrett Avenue and South Clara Avenue, Southwest Fresno
Latest location: Bardell and Vine avenues, Southwest Fresno
Officer injured: 26-year-old Fresno police officer
Officer condition: Expected to recover
Other people rescued: A woman and an 8-year-old girl
Police response: SWAT, BearCats, drones, helicopters, CHP aircraft, and other agencies
Status: Investigation ongoing