Suspect hospitalized after Parlier shooting, pursuit

PARLIER – A suspect has been hospitalized after reportedly opening fire on officers and sparking a pursuit. 

In an Aug. 17 statement from the Fresno County Sheriff’s office, the suspect was identified as Jose Garcia, 53, of Parlier. As of report, Garcia remains hospitalized and is in critical condition. He has been electronically booked into the Fresno County Jail and faces charges of attempted murder, assault on an officer, evading police and resisting arrest.

The scene occurred around 10:10 a.m. on Aug. 15, a Parlier police officer requested backup after he said his vehicle was struck by bullets in the area of Merced and H streets. Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly to search for the vehicle believed to be involved, and the suspect was spotted in a pickup truck by a deputy and a Selma police officer.

A pursuit ensued, and ended just before 10:30 a.m. on Fig Avenue when the suspect crashed into the Parlier High School fence near Third and Fourth streets. Students were on campus at the time for a basketball camp but were immediately placed on lockdown, and staff remained in contact with law enforcement to coordinate a safe exit. 

“We appreciate the swift response of our staff and law enforcement partners in prioritizing the well-being of our students and staff,” wrote Parlier Unified School District in a social media statement.

After the crash, a deputy and a Selma police officer fired shots at the suspect, striking him multiple times. He received medical aid and was transported to the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where he is listed in critical condition. A firearm that was in the suspect’s possession was recovered at the scene. 

According to the statement, four law enforcement officers are involved in this shooting investigation. Two are from the Parlier Police Department, one is from the Selma Police Department and one is a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy. 

No officers were shot, but one Selma officer injured his arm.

During a press conference on the morning of Aug. 15, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said the incident is being investigated by Internal Affairs, homicide detectives and investigators from the Fresno County District Attorney’s office. 

This marks the second deputy-involved shooting for the sheriff’s office this year. 

“When our brothers and sisters at the Parlier Police Department call for help, we all respond to help out, to support them and to protect them, and that’s exactly what happened here today,” said Zanoni during the press conference. “Now this suspect is off the street, and this is a safer community because of it.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article was updated on Aug. 17, 2026 at 3:11 p.m. pst.