Selma police officer shot and killed in small town outside Fresno

An on-duty Selma police officer was fatally shot Tuesday while responding to a resident’s concern, stunning scores of people in the small town just southeast of Fresno.

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr., 24, is the first officer to die in the line of duty in Selma, a predominantly Latino town of less than 25,000, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. , who is investigating the murder. Carrasco had been with the Selma Police Department for less than two years and was an expectant father.

The man who investigators say was fatally shot by Carrasco has been arrested and is being held without bond.

Around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Carrasco was reported by a concerned woman to a “suspicious man” on her property in a neighborhood just west of U.S. Route 99, according to the sheriff’s office. Carrasco attempted to approach the man, but the man fired several shots at Carrasco, killing him.

The man, later identified as 23-year-old Nathaniel Dixon, fled the scene of the shooting. After a brief search by police, Dixon was found about a mile away and officers recovered a firearm not far from where Dixon was being held, according to the sheriff’s office.

Dixon, a Selma resident who deputies say has a significant criminal history including jail time, was incarcerated in Fresno County Jail on suspicion of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm fire and ammunition and a violation of probation. He is not eligible for bail due to the probation violation charge, the deputies said.

Carrasco died in hospital, officials said. He became an officer of the Selma Police Department in May 2021. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters and girlfriend, who is currently pregnant with their child.

“I am absolutely outraged,” Selma Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz said, according to the Fresno Bee. “I’m horrified right now. It’s a worst-case scenario.”

Carrasco had been on the force for less than two years when he was shot and killed.

(Selma Police Department)

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the flags at the Capitol will be flown at half-mast in Carrasco’s honor.

“Jennifer and I join all of the family, friends and colleagues in mourning the tragic loss of Officer Carrasco, who dedicated his life to protecting his community,” Newsom said in A declaration. “His immense courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Assn. from the Fresno County Deputy Sheriff. created a memorial fund for Carrasco’s family.