Update: Fresno Police officer shot in apparent ambush. Search continues for suspect
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A Fresno officer was shot multiple times while responding to a domestic violence call.
- Authorities deployed SWAT, drones, helicopters, armored BearCats, and multiple agencies.
- The 56-year-old suspect with a lengthy criminal history remained at large overnight.
A Fresno Police officer was shot multiple times Saturday night while responding to a domestic violence investigation.
This prompted a massive manhunt and a shelter-in-place order in the area of Jensen Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Authorities believed the suspect was still inside the police perimeter.
Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said the violence began around 6:30 p.m., when officers responded to a domestic violence call involving a husband and wife.
According to Casto, the woman reported that the suspect threatened to shoot her during an argument and nearly struck her with a vehicle as he left the home.
Officers interviewed the victim and began searching for the suspect at other possible locations.
Officers returned to the home at 9:30 p.m., after spotting the suspect’s vehicle parked outside.
“As soon as they stepped out of the patrol car, they came under gunfire,” Casto said during a late-night news conference.
A 26-year-old Fresno police officer, described as a four-year veteran who previously served as a police cadet, was struck multiple times in the arm and shoulder.
He was rushed to a local hospital and is in stable condition.
Casto said the suspect “was lying in wait for them.”
“The officers didn’t even have a chance to react,” Casto said.
Casto said she visited the officer at the hospital and “he is doing remarkably well. He has a warrior spirit 100% after what he went through.”
Police said the suspect, 56-year-old Paul Rodriguez Cisneros has a lengthy criminal history including assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, property crimes, and prior gang ties, remains at large after fleeing the scene, police said in an update Sunday morning.
Officials established a six-block perimeter in southwest Fresno and deployed SWAT officers, drones, armored BearCat vehicles, helicopters, and support from multiple agencies, including the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol.
At one point, as many as 80 officers were involved in the operation, Casto said.
Police believe the suspect may still be hiding within the perimeter. SWAT teams were attempting to establish communication and negotiate if possible.
Residents in the area were ordered to shelter in place while officers searched through the night.
“The officers rescued the woman and her child safely,” Casto said. “The victim is unhurt, the child is unhurt, the officer is doing well, and the suspect is still outstanding.”
Police ask if anyone knows where Cisneros might be to call 911, or can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867. Police said information leading to Cisneros’ arrest may be eligible for $10,000 reward through Crime Stoppers.
This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 10:39 PM with the headline "Update: Fresno Police officer shot in apparent ambush. Search continues for suspect."
