FRESNO COUNTY- On August 29, 2021 at around 6:30 p.m., California State Parks rangers responded to a chaotic shooting scene at a boat ramp at Millerton State Park. As park visitors scattered to safety, rangers detained a 17-year-old in the Crows Nest boat launch parking lot who was believed to be the shooting suspect. Rangers, lifeguards and CALFIRE firefighters began emergency treatment on two gunshot victims, a 31-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl.  According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, which also responded to the shooting, the man shot is believed to be an associate of the suspect who was detained. Both gunshot victims were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies interviewed dozens of witnesses and a crime scene unit arrived to process a large area for evidence. Detectives determined this to be a gang-related shooting and on August 30^th announced the arrest of the 17-year-old for attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm and child endangerment.  Detectives determined that an argument had taken place between the 17-year-old suspected shooter and another gang member. The 17-year-old pulled out a gun and fired it at the 31-year-old man. The 16-year-old girl, who is a possible friend of the shooting suspect, tried to intervene and was also shot by the 17-year-old. The shooter then ran from the ramp up to the nearby Crows Nest Boat Launch parking lot where he was detained by State Parks rangers.

“There is no toleration for gang-related activity any where in our communities, let alone our state parks where families go to enjoy nature and each other’s company,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Unfortunately, crime, including violent crime, does occur in our state parks and that’s why there is a need for State Parks peace officers who are well acquainted with park terrains, areas prone to criminal activity and those who frequent the parks to conduct their illegal activity.”