Three adult males, two of whom are believed to be members of the Fresno Bulldog gang, were arrested in connection to an early morning home invasion robbery.
Captain Dennis Bridges of the Fresno Police said in a news conference that the three men broke into a home on Cambridge Avenue, near Fresno City College at 5:57 a.m. today.
The names of the victims of the robbery and the suspects have yet to be released while police continues its investigation.
The suspects gained entry to the residence by damaging the front gate and kicking in the side door. One of the residents of the home fled from the residence to a nearby fast food restaurant from where he called the police from a payphone.
“This looks like it was pre-planned,” Bridges said.
The suspects fled when police arrived. One ran out through the back, carrying a semi-automatic handgun. An officer pursued him and, in fear for his safety, shot the 32-year-old suspect three times.
The injured suspect was later found to be wearing a bulletproof vest. He is currently in the hospital receiving care but is expected to survive.
Another suspect was caught while he tried to drive away. Police reported that the getaway car had zip ties, bolt cutters, a two-way radio and a shotgun. The driver, a 30-year-old as well as a 25-year-old suspect were taken into custody.
Bridges said that two of the suspects were involved in the Fresno Bulldog gang while the third suspect’s involvement has not yet been confirmed. The police spokesman said they believe that the aim of the robbery was to take the victims’ large flat-screened television and their jewelry.
The victims of the attempted robbery are said to be unharmed as the investigation continues. Home invasion robberies have been occurring throughout this neighborhood, but police cannot confirm if these suspects were involved in other incidents.
The Rampage will update the story as it unfolds.