Birthday celebration turns violent as suspect arrested after high-speed chase in Fresno
A man was grazed in the ankle when gunfire erupted at his birthday party in Fresno, and police captured the alleged shooter after a dramatic pursuit.
During a birthday gathering on Olive Avenue and Lucerne Avenue in Fresno, Troy Franklin allegedly fired at the celebrants, grazing one man's left ankle. The injured party fled to Second Street and Orleans Avenue to summon assistance and was later treated at Community Regional Medical Center in stable condition. A fellow attendee reportedly shot back at Franklin in self-defense.
Police identified Franklin through automated license-plate readers and issued a warrant. Four days later, officers from the Street Violence Bureau Tactical Team spotted him near First Avenue and Nees Avenue; he attempted to flee, ramming an undercover vehicle and crashing near Barstow and Millbrook Avenues. After abandoning the wrecked car, Franklin was surrounded and taken into custody with help from Air1 helicopter, the Career Criminal Auto Theft Team, K-9 units and Northeast Patrol officers. He faces charges related to the shooting and a felony assault on a peace officer and will be booked into Fresno County Jail.
Why it matters
The case highlights how quickly a local celebration can turn deadly and the coordinated police response required to apprehend a violent suspect.
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