Six hour police stand-off after security officer stops possible active shooter
Fresno CA March 10 2021
Police spent more than six hours surrounding a bank and trying to talk an armed man into surrendering.
Police said that the stand-off did eventually end peacefully.
The incident began after a security officer notified police about the armed man shortly after 4 p.m., prompting a large response from law enforcement.
Officers worked to evacuate everyone from the bank before negotiating with the suspect.
“They seemed really relieved,” said witness Christopher Leal. “Some of them look really relieved to get out of there. I mean, it is something you don’t expect.”
According to Fresno Police, the unidentified suspect was armed with a sawn-off shotgun and what appeared to be a compressor at his feet. Officers on scene were concerned that the device at his feet was explosive.
“We’ve brought out our bomb technicians, just to be certain in the event that we get into a position where we can render that item safe,” said Lt. Rob Beckwith.
Police negotiators on the scene were able to communicate with the unidentified suspect.
Officers say he appeared to be depressed and was suicidal, asking them to shoot him. Personal messages from family were also played to the suspect as part of efforts to calm him down.
Negotiators managed to get the suspect to surrender. Officers do not believe the device at his feet was explosive but will examine it.
Fresno police said that they can only imagine what might have happened if the alert security officer had not spotted the weapon and quickly notified police. It could have been much worse.
The suspect is now in police custody. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
