FRENSO (KMJ) — A hostage situation in Southeast Fresno is now over – after SWAT force entry into the suspect’s home.
The incident unfolded Wednesday morning. Fresno Police dispatch were first alerted around 8am, to a home close to the intersection of Maple Avenue and Church Avenue. The suspect’s mother said that her son had told her he’d shot his wife, and then threatened to shoot her too if she came to the front door.
Police say that the mother drove over, parked nearby, and saw the couple’s three children – two age 7 and the third age 3- walking out of the home. They then explained to her that they’d seen their mother shot the previous night. It was at that point the suspect’s mother called Fresno Police.
Officers responding reveal that they were initially unsure whether or not the 32 year old suspect, identified as Manuel Servin, was still alive. After trying to phone him, and using a patrol car’s public address system, a robot was placed inside the home to establish communications between the negotiators and the suspect inside.
Police add that five shots were fired while the robot was inside, and SWAT then forced their way into the building using flash-bangs.
“For diversionary reasons”, explains Police Chief Jerry Dyer. “That would allow our SWAT team to force entry into the isolated bedroom where the suspect was at and we believe the suspect was at”.
Chief Dyer says Servin was confronted, then surrendered before being taken into custody. Both he and his wife were taken away by ambulance.
“She suffered a gunshot wound, and that’s worst case when you’re pregnant you suffer a gunshot wound. We’re hopeful that the baby is able to survive”, continued Chief Dyer.
Fresno Police add that Manuel Servin will be facing attempted murder charges relating to the victim, but may also be charged with attempted murder of a police officer as well.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
