Police chief: 3 people dead after shooting in downtown Fresno, California

Three people have been killed in California after a series of "random" shootings in downtown Fresno, officials say. The suspect - who shouted "Allahu Akbar" while being taken into custody - is also a suspect in an earlier shooting. (more)

The incident began just before 11 a.m. PT on Tuesday when officers received a report from "ShotSpotter" that shots were being fired in downtown Fresno. Soon after, shots were fired at 3 additional scenes in the area.

According to Police Chief Jerry Dyer, the gunman first opened fire at a pickup truck, striking someone inside the vehicle. Another person drove the pickup truck to the Fresno Police Department, but the victim succumbed to his injuries.

Seconds after the first shooting, the suspect fired multiple shots at a pedestrian in the area but missed. He then shot and killed two other people, including someone who was near a bus stop outside the parking lot of Catholic Charities.

A short time later, a police officer spotted the suspect, who "literally dove onto the ground" as soon as he spotted the officer. While being taken into custody, the man - identified as 39-year-old Kori Ali Muhammad - shouted "Allahu Akbar."

It was not immediately clear whether Tuesday's shooting spree was an act of terrorism, but Chief Dyer said Muhammad's Facebook account indicated that he "does not like white people." He also expressed anti-government sentiments.

Muhammad was already wanted in connection with the murder of a security guard at a motel in Fresno.

Police say this guy went on a shooting spree in Downtown Fresno, killing multiple people and yelled "Allah Akbar."

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Comment by truth on April 18, 2017 at 4:24pm: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-fresno-shooting-20170418-s...

Comment by truth on April 18, 2017 at 4:24pm: #Fresno - Chief: All shooting victims were "white males."

The suspect was identified as Kori Ali Muhammad, a 39-year-old man who was wanted in connection with the shooting death of a security guard outside a motel Thursday, said Police Chief Jerry Dyer. The FBI has been notified of the shooting deaths.

“This was a random act of violence,” Dyer said.

The gunfire erupted at 10:45 a.m. in the 300 block of North Van Ness Avenue. A few seconds later, a second shooting was reported. A third shooting was reported, then a fourth.

Within a minute, Dyer said, 16 shots were fired.

Moments later, a PG&E pickup truck driver arrived at police headquarters to report his passenger had been shot by a gunman who approached them.

Dyer said Muhammad had expressed hatred toward white people and the government. The chief said he shouted “Allahu Akbar” before turning himself into police.

Dyer said he wasn’t clear if it was terror-related.

“Too early to say whether or not this involves terrorism,” he said. “Certainly by the statement that was made it could give that indication, however, there was no statement that was made Thursday night when he shot the security guard. There was no comments made at that time.”

PG&E said it was still trying gather information on what happened in Fresno.

“Our thoughts are with all involved in the incident that occurred in Fresno today,” PG&E said. “Public and employee safety is always our top priority.”