Security Guard Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man – Innocent Bystander Wounded During Gunfire

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA – A homeless man was fatally shot by a security guard Friday night after the man allegedly got into a physical altercation with the guard.  Police responded to a reported shooting near the Best Western Motel just after 11 p.m.

Upon arrival, they learned that a homeless man had been shot and killed in front of a vacant building beside the hotel. They say that a security guard told them that he was responsible for the shooting. The guard said that he was doing a routine check of the property when he encountered the man.  When he began questioning the man, it quickly escalated into a fight between the two. The guard then drew his handgun and shot the man several times, killing him.

“The security guard is claiming he had to shoot the transient in self-defense,” says Fresno Police Lt. Israel Reyes.

Another man was also hit by the guard’s gunfire as he worked on his car nearby.  Lt. Reyes added, “Our 33-year-old victim that was shot in the arm had just pulled in here because his car broke down. He was putting antifreeze in the car, minding his own business and took a round in the arm.”

Fortunately, the bystander suffered only minor injuries and was released after being treated at a local hospital.

Fresno Police are investigating to see if charges will be filed against the security guard.  Local reporters attempted to obtain a statement concerning the incident from the security guard’s employer, but at last check the security firm had not responded to the request.