In what Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer called a classic case of "suicide by cop," a man who appeared to be armed was shot and killed by officers in northwest Fresno this morning.
The shooting took place after police received two phone calls about 10 a.m., both apparently made by a man who threatened to "shoot the first cop I see," Dyer said. The man made a separate call to the police department a short time later in which he said he wanted to kill himself, Dyer said.
Officers arrived several minutes later near Marks and Santa Ana avenues, where they spotted the man, Dyer said. The man at one point ran from officers, and at another point held what looked to be a handgun to his head. He then pointed the handgun at officers, who fired their weapons, killing the man.
When officers approached the downed man, they discovered the weapon was replica of a semi-automatic handgun. The man's identity was not immediately disclosed.
Marks Avenue is blocked between Acacia and Santa Ana while police investigate the shooting.
Read the complete story at fresnobee.com