3 people were shot in the face in Central Fresno Sunday night. Police say the victims answered the door for a man dressed in black and he opened fire. The victims, 2 men and a woman were taken to the hospital and were listed in critical condition. Investigators don't have many leads on who the gunmen was or what the motive was. They say he escaped down an alley moments after the shooting.
↧
3 People Shot in the Face in Central Fresno
↧
Final Farewell to Candlestick Park for 49ers
NBC Bay Area News Anchor Raj Mathai joins George Takata on KSEE 24 Midday to talk about the final regular season home game for the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park.
↧
↧
Fresno Anti-Deportation Rally Shuts Down Jail Visitations
A protest over deportations shuts down parts of downtown Fresno and the county jail. Demonstrators say the government needs to stop separating families; especially heading into the holidays.
The anti-deportation rally brought protestors out by the dozens. Some even tied themselves to ladders to show they're not going anywhere.
Protestor Gelascio Rodriguez says, "The message is for President Obama to stop deportations."
Rodriguez knows what it's like to be separated from family.
"My older brother was deported two years ago simply for driving without a license, going to work," says Rodriguez.
Monday's call for change turned into an unexpected inconvenience for many.
Latara Patton says, "I was really mad. I asked how long it would take. They said they won't let anybody in and it could take hours."
Due to safety concerns, sheriff's deputies stood by in riot gear and the Fresno County Jail shut down inmate releases and visitations. That means Crystal Whitaker won't see her child's father until next week.
"It's okay for them protest. I'd rather them go down there, I mean why would it be right in front of the jail? It's two days before Christmas. I just want to see him before Christmas," says Whitaker.
Protestors also closed a block of M street to traffic.
Fresno police captain Andy Hall says, "If we were to go in and try to break them up, then we become the story so we'll allow them to protest and they'll find out that it won't necessarily work to their advantage."
Sheriff Margaret Mims was at the center of the rally; accused of being Fresno's "deporter in chief." In response to those accusations, she issued a statement reading in part, "Perpetrators of crime against residents of Fresno County should not be shielded from consequences."
Police say it is illegal to close off a street. They say the organizers of the protest will be held accountable.
↧
Violent Weekend in Fresno Days Before Christmas
New developments tonight after a violent weekend in Fresno...just days before
Christmas.
KSEE 24's Lemor Abrams is live in the studio with what police are saying.
Police are asking for help in finding a few suspects related to two
different shootings over the weekend.
They believe both shootings are drug related and in both cases, the suspects
knew the victims.
Police first responded to a call of shots fired at a Southwest Fresno House.
Noone was struck there, but nearby at Vagabond Inn...more gunshots.
A 36-year man was struck multiple times, and found lying in the parking lot.
He died on the way to the hospital.
His 28-year old girlfriend was pistol whipped.
"I've stayed here three times haven't noticed any trouble," said Steve Markel.
Police say a 33-year old man and his 46-year old girlfriend are responsible for the murder.
Police believe it's drug related and the victims and suspects knew eachother.
"We did a search warrant on the victims vehicle and found 3 pounds of marijuana in there with several cellular phones," said Fresno Police Lt. Mark Salazar.
Police also believe the suspects live on the street where shots were fired prior to the motel murder.
Police are checking surveillance video, but no cameras were rolling at another shooting later that night.
3 people were shot in the face when they opened their apartment door.
It happened in a Central Fresno apartment complex...home to many families.
"I'm just glad non of our kids were out here, you know we were inside. I feel sorry for the families that you know, had to go through this and stuff but I'm gonna keep everybody in prayer," Tomas Abitia, a neighbor.
A man with a rifle opened fire and ran through the complex into an alley.
"We believe it's possibly drug related and they knew each other so it's not a random act," said Lt. Salazar.
If you have any information on either cases, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
↧
Fresno Co. Sheriff's Dodges Bullet... Literally
Christmas at the Capriola household has a whole new perspective this year.
"It wasn't until I got home today, you see your kids and that's when it really hits you," said Deputy John Capriola, Fresno Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Sunday evening, the sheriff's department received a call of shots fired toward a home in Squaw Valley.
"In the mountains. People target shoot and hunt. So it's not and uncommon thing," said Capriola.
When Deputy John Capriola and his partner arrived on scene they heard shots coming from below the hill they were standing on.
"We didn't realize how close because it was dark and we couldn't see anything, but it definitely made the hair on your neck stand up," said Capriola.
The gunfire got louder and louder. Then it got up close and personal.
"It was like a buzz and a hiss. It's a sound you'll never forget and it knocked me square on my backside," said Capriola.
Capriola reached down and felt his leg for blood, only nothing was there except for the utility knife inside his cargo pocket. It blocked the bullet from hitting his skin. Even more amazing is that the high caliber rifle round stayed in his pocket. The miraculous set of circumstances caused him to request those items back from evidence.
"That's a pretty lucky knife. I'd be pretty dumb to take it out of my pocket, so it will probably go back in the same pocket it was in," said Capriola.
Capriola says he actually forgot his knife while getting ready for work Sunday, so he made a special trip back home to get it. A decision that sure paid off.
"People thank the lord for lots of things. I'm just thankful I have what I have. My family, my kids and that's it," said Capriola.
Deputies arrested four men on felony charges of negligent discharge of a firearm. They are 27 year old Benjamin Speaker of San Luis Obispo, 29 year old Gregory Ravy of Squaw Valley, 26 year old Joshua Holt of Prescott, AZ and 26 year old Matthew Godde of Long Beach. All of them have since bailed out of the Fresno County Jail.
↧
↧
Downtown Visalia Bustling During Holiday Season, Link's Closing after Christmas
Holiday shopping is in full swing in the South Valley. Downtown Visalia has been bustling with people looking for last minute gifts. Some say it's a good alternative to the busy malls and shopping centers. For one retailer, it's a final holiday run.
↧
Tulare County Correctional Deputy Killed in Traffic Accident
An early Christmas Eve morning accident took the life of Tulare County Sheriff's Correctional Deputy.
The accident happened just before 3:00 a.m. when deputy Jerymy Meyst was transporting inmates in a van to the Tulare County Jail.
Officials say several calls came in to dispatch about the the accident, which occurred on Road 204 just south of Highway 198, near the Friant Kern Canal Bridge. They say deputy Meyst was ejected from the vehicle, which appeared to to collide with the cement guard rail of the bridge, and rescue efforts were unable to revive him.
Sheriff's officials say Meyst, 31, was raised in the Visalia area and is a 2001 graduate from Mount Whitney High School. He is survived by his wife and two children.
"I am heartbroken that we have lost a member of our Sheriff's Department family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all of our employees during this difficult time." said Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.
The two inmates riding in the van at the time of the accident suffered minor injuries.
The accident happened just before 3:00 a.m. when deputy Jerymy Meyst was transporting inmates in a van to the Tulare County Jail.
Officials say several calls came in to dispatch about the the accident, which occurred on Road 204 just south of Highway 198, near the Friant Kern Canal Bridge. They say deputy Meyst was ejected from the vehicle, which appeared to to collide with the cement guard rail of the bridge, and rescue efforts were unable to revive him.
Sheriff's officials say Meyst, 31, was raised in the Visalia area and is a 2001 graduate from Mount Whitney High School. He is survived by his wife and two children.
"I am heartbroken that we have lost a member of our Sheriff's Department family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all of our employees during this difficult time." said Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.
The two inmates riding in the van at the time of the accident suffered minor injuries.
↧
Shooting Kills Madera Teen
A Madera teenager is dead in what authorities believe to be a gang shooting.
It happened around 9:30 p.m. at a home on Lacreta Avenue. When police arrived at the scene they found the 15-year-old in the doorway of the home with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Madera Community hospital but later died from his injuries.
Witnesses say a Hispanic man ran from the scene and possibly entered a dirty white mini van a short distance away. He's described to be approximately 19 to 21 years of age.
If you have any information about the shooting or the suspect please call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
It happened around 9:30 p.m. at a home on Lacreta Avenue. When police arrived at the scene they found the 15-year-old in the doorway of the home with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Madera Community hospital but later died from his injuries.
Witnesses say a Hispanic man ran from the scene and possibly entered a dirty white mini van a short distance away. He's described to be approximately 19 to 21 years of age.
If you have any information about the shooting or the suspect please call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
↧
Suspects Named in Fatal Fresno Hotel Shooting
Police are releasing new information about a fatal shooting at the Vagabond Inn in Fresno on Sunday.
Detectives say 33 year old Cosmen Alvarez and 46 year old Yolanda Aviles were involved in the incident. It happened around noon at the motel near Jensen and Highway 99.
The 36-year old victim was shot several times and died on the way to the hospital. The man's girlfriend was pistol whipped and hospitalized. Now police are saying the murder is drug related. They are still looking for Alvarez and Aviles.
If you know anything about their whereabouts call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
Detectives say 33 year old Cosmen Alvarez and 46 year old Yolanda Aviles were involved in the incident. It happened around noon at the motel near Jensen and Highway 99.
The 36-year old victim was shot several times and died on the way to the hospital. The man's girlfriend was pistol whipped and hospitalized. Now police are saying the murder is drug related. They are still looking for Alvarez and Aviles.
If you know anything about their whereabouts call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP.
↧
↧
Tollhouse Area Man Dies in Tractor Accident
A man is dead after a tractor accident in the Tollhouse area.
According to the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, a tractor rolled over an embankment in the area of Sycamore Road and Burrough Valley Road just after 6:00 p.m. Monday. The driver was pinned underneath and died.
His name has not been released.
According to the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, a tractor rolled over an embankment in the area of Sycamore Road and Burrough Valley Road just after 6:00 p.m. Monday. The driver was pinned underneath and died.
His name has not been released.
↧
Tour a Piece of Presidential History in Atwater
You have a chance to tour a bit of Presidential History in the north valley this week.
The Castle Air Museum in Atwater will begin giving tours of its Presidential Douglas VC9 aircraft. The plane arrived at the museum back in October. It has been used by former presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. It's also been used by several Vice-Pesidents.
Tours begin this Friday at 11:00 am, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Tours will also be held on weekends. The cost is $10 for adults, children five and under are free.
The Castle Air Museum in Atwater will begin giving tours of its Presidential Douglas VC9 aircraft. The plane arrived at the museum back in October. It has been used by former presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. It's also been used by several Vice-Pesidents.
Tours begin this Friday at 11:00 am, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Tours will also be held on weekends. The cost is $10 for adults, children five and under are free.
↧
Home for Good
Fresno's Ken Shockley, who recently returned home from serving our country in Afghanistan, talks about what it's like to spend Christmas away from home while protecting our freedom.
↧
Covered California Deadline Passed; Leeway for Some
Although the federal government extended Monday's deadline to Tuesday night to enroll in health insurance for coverage beginning Jan. 1, Covered California kept its Monday deadline.
However, there is some leeway until the end of the day Tuesday for those who've already started an application by Monday.
As the deadlines come and go, enrollment counselors around Fresno have been busy helping people sign up.
At Clinica Sierra Vista, a federally qualified health care center with clinics in Fresno, enrollment counselors were busy all day Monday helping people complete their applications, said Janet Fernandez, a certified enrollment counselor.
Counselors take appointments or walk-ins to answer questions and enroll people in Covered California or screen them for Medi-Cal eligibility.
Although one deadline has passed, the staff at Clinica Sierra Vista said people should know there is still time to enroll.
"People should know that they're still eligible to enroll and that we have people who could help them enroll. There's also other agencies in the county that can help as well," said Ruben Chavez, chief administrative officer with Clinica Sierra Vista.
With the expansion of Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act, many people who are uninsured may now qualify for the state health subsidy.
Many of the patients who come to Clinica Sierra Vista are uninsured. Many of these people don't know their options, Fernandez said.
"That's when we have to explain to them what their options are under this law and how this law has changed the system in order for them to qualify, whether it's Medi-Cal or for private insurance," Fernandez said.
In order to comply with the law and buy insurance through Covered California or through Medi-Cal, enrollment counselors say they can help answer questions.
↧
↧
Valley Shoppers Rush to Grab Last Minute Gifts
Stores across the Valley were packed with shoppers rushing to scratch off the last items on their holiday lists.
The "power" shopping was in full force, as shoppers made a mad dash for those last minute gifts. Along the way, they enjoyed some last minute deals.
Savvy shoppers decked the malls Tuesday, braving the crowds and taking advantage of massive bargains.
The deals are big, with discounts and slashed prices everywhere you turn
Ruben Garcia says, "I'm here on the 24th looking for deals and also what catches my eye for my family."
"50 percent off here, buy one get one free. I'm taking advantage of it all, it's great," says Madison Shepard.
They're all ploys to attract procrastinators. Retailers are hoping to stock up on profits to end an already grim holiday season. Shoppertrak reports holiday store sales are running three percent lower than last year, and foot traffic plunged 21 percent.
"I had a whole plan. I was going to start in august and then for some reason I just decide I was going to wait and wait and wait and then this morning I woke up and realized, oh I still have about 15 people to buy for," says Shepard.
The holiday rush seemed to sneak up quickly. It was the shortest shopping season in eleven years, with 26 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year there were 32 days.
Patricia Lawrence says, "It came so quick. I'm like oh it's Christmas eve already. I thought I had at least two more days."
With only hours to go, stores focus on sales and shoppers focus on beating the clock.
Shepard says, "They get what they get and they'll be happy."
Fashion Fair and River Park close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Walmart stores are open until 8p.m. and Target stores are open until ten p.m.
↧
Deputy Killed in Solo Vehicle Accident Near Exeter
A Tulare County Sheriff's deputy was killed in a solo vehicle accident near Exeter Tuesday. It happened around 2:30 in the morning on Spruce Avenue, just south of Highway 198. Deputy Jeremy Meyst was transporting inmates in a van when it collided with a cement guard rail. Meyst was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries. Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the crash. Meyst grew up in Visalia. He graduated from Mt. Whitney High School and joined the sheriff's department in 2004. He leaves behind a wife and two kids.
↧
Fresno Teenagers Arrested For Shooting High School Teacher
New developments in the arrests of four teenagers accused of shooting an
Edison High School Teacher.
Police believe the shooter is a former student at Edison High School.
The shooting happened on campus last Thursday.
Police believe the shooter is a former student at Edison High School.
The shooting happened on campus last Thursday.
Police say the shooter and his three sixteen-year-old accomplices stormed an Edison Classroom after
school, and the shooting is not the only crime they committed that night.
Edison High School Teacher.
Police believe the shooter is a former student at Edison High School.
The shooting happened on campus last Thursday.
Police believe the shooter is a former student at Edison High School.
The shooting happened on campus last Thursday.
Police say the shooter and his three sixteen-year-old accomplices stormed an Edison Classroom after
school, and the shooting is not the only crime they committed that night.
CBS47's Lemor Abrams is live at the Fresno Police Dept. where the arrests
were announced.
↧
Family Traditions Keep Businesses Open for Christmas
Many families across the valley spend their Christmas indoors, eating and celebrating with family and friends, while others like to get out and about for awhile. Luckily for them, some businesses do remain open for the holiday.
For dozens of families, the festivities started with a Christmas breakfast at Denny's. It's been the Graham's tradition for 15 years.
Phyllis Graham says, "It's wonderful, it's great and I don't have to cook or clean or clean up the kitchen."
Believe it or not, it's the diner's busiest day of the year.
Customer Aaron Bump says, "My mom happens to work here and we thought it'd be nice to come and say hello."
The holiday cheer, and traffic, has been non-stop. For many it's a home away from home.
Denny's manager Melvin Rosario says, "You realize that a lot of people don't have family in certain areas or their families are away from the area, so we become their family."
For other families, Christmas morning means being outdoors; soaking up the sun at the Fig Garden Golf Course, and making room for the holiday feast.
Golfer Paul Yoo says, "It's nice to get out in the morning especially on a gorgeous day like today to get some exercise."
For one father and son, it's a tradition in the making.
"It's the first time in my life I even played golf on Christmas day and it's just kind of unique," says Clark Roundtree.
At the movie theatres, new releases drew crowds all day long.
Pam smith says, "We have started a tradition. It started last year with Christmas going to see Les Miserables and we loved it so much that we decided to do it this year."
↧
↧
Christmas Mass at Fresno's Oldest Church
Many in the Central Valley observed Christmas Day by attending church services.
St. John's Cathedral in Fresno is the oldest surviving church in Fresno, according to the Fresno Historical Society. The church was packed for midnight mass and church services throughout the day.
Parishioners said they are celebrating the true meaning of the day.
"We have our little nativity [scene] out. So this morning, the first thing they do is put baby Jesus in the hay and sing happy birthday to him," said Audrey Lara, a parishioner at St. John's.
Lara has been attending St. John's for the last 15 years.
At a Wednesday morning mass, Lara's daughter had the honor of ushering in the symbolic baby Jesus that's used in the church's nativity scene.
"It meant a lot to me because I was excited to carry him. I never got to carry it before," said Leticia Lara, a fourth grader who is a member of St. John's Cathedral.
Parishioners said many people ignore the meaning of Christmas, as some are wrapped up in the excitement of the holiday season.
"They're too excited to open gifts and they forget that Jesus is the main reason that we have this season-- his birthday. And it's very special," said Isabel Gomez, who sang in the church's choir for about 30 years.
The holidays are times for many to celebrate, while for some, the holidays only bring sore reminders of sad times.
Manuel Arroyo shared his Christmas message for those who've hit hard times: "Hold on to the faith and believe that things will happen for you. If we move forward, and if we rely on people, friends and family, we'll get through it."'
This Christmas is also special to many as it's the first one with Pope Francis presiding over the Catholic church.
↧
Community Creates a Merry Christmas for Valley Family
Things were looking bleak for a south valley family after their presents were stolen just days before Christmas but in the end holiday spirit saved the day.
The kids got enough gifts to last all year, from pillow pets to real pets. But the best gift of all is the story behind their smiles.
Days before Christmas, mom and dad were out running an errand and the kids were on their way home from school, when a thief or thieves broke in and stole everything. Kids' presents under the tree, dad's comic book collection, even mom's bridal gown.
After the community saw this family on the news people dropped off cash and perfectly wrapped presents, and even a babysitter.
You can see more in the above video.
The kids got enough gifts to last all year, from pillow pets to real pets. But the best gift of all is the story behind their smiles.
Days before Christmas, mom and dad were out running an errand and the kids were on their way home from school, when a thief or thieves broke in and stole everything. Kids' presents under the tree, dad's comic book collection, even mom's bridal gown.
After the community saw this family on the news people dropped off cash and perfectly wrapped presents, and even a babysitter.
You can see more in the above video.
↧
UPS Apologizes for Delayed Deliveries
Some of your gifts might be coming in a day late even if you bought them before Christmas.
That's because UPS and Fed-Ex are backlogged and many holiday gifts didn't get delivered in time.
A UPS spokeswoman apologized. She says one factor was that the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was shorter this year. She also says the consumer trend of more online shopping was a contributing factor.
UPS did consider doing deliveries on Christmas but ultimately decided not to ask their drivers to work Christmas day.
That's because UPS and Fed-Ex are backlogged and many holiday gifts didn't get delivered in time.
A UPS spokeswoman apologized. She says one factor was that the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was shorter this year. She also says the consumer trend of more online shopping was a contributing factor.
UPS did consider doing deliveries on Christmas but ultimately decided not to ask their drivers to work Christmas day.
↧