MADERA COUNTY — The Fresno and Madera County Sheriff’s Offices are investigating a series of shootings on public roadways in both Madera and Fresno Counties, which they say may be related.
Between Nov. 27 and Dec. 7, there have been four separate reports of vehicles being struck by gunfire. Two occurred in Madera County and two occurred in Fresno County. Only one incident resulted in a person suffering injuries.
Two incidents occurred in Madera County along Highway 145 (Madera Avenue). At about 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 27, a vehicle traveling near Avenue 8 ½ was hit with bullets. No one in the vehicle was injured.
Again on Highway 145, at around 6:45 a.m., on Dec. 7, a vehicle traveling near Avenue 6 was struck by gunfire. No one in the vehicle was injured.
In Fresno County at around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, a vehicle traveling on N. Dickenson Ave. near W. Shields Ave. was struck by bullets. The female driver was also hit. The woman called law enforcement and was treated for her injuries, which were determined to be non-life threatening.
Also in Fresno County, on Dec. 4, at around 4:30 p.m. a motorist traveling on Highway 145 near W. Barstow had their vehicle struck by gunfire. No one in the vehicle was injured.
Detectives do not have a clear description of the suspect(s) or their vehicle(s). The common thread in all reports is that the victims said they heard loud bangs as another vehicle passed them, going the opposite direction on the roadway.
With the exception of the woman who was hurt, they all later checked their vehicles and found bullet holes.
Fresno County Sheriff’s detectives and Madera County Sheriff’s detectives are working together to try and identify possible suspects. In the meantime, both offices want to warn the public to be aware of these instances and the locations in which they occurred.
“We encourage all drivers to pay attention to their surroundings wherever they are and immediately report dangerous situations, including possible gunfire on the roadways,” says the Sheriff’s Office. “Detectives have not determined a motive for the shootings and are considering them to be random.”
Anyone with additional information on any of the cases listed above, or even cases not listed, is asked to contact Sheriff’s dispatchers at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
