Innocent bystander hospitalized following shooting at central Fresno shopping center, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An innocent bystander is recovering after gunfire erupted Tuesday afternoon at a busy shopping center in central Fresno, according to police.

Authorities said the shooting happened around 2:30 p.m. near DD's Discounts at a shopping center on West Avenue and Griffith Way.

Officers shut down the parking lot to collect evidence and speak with witnesses as part of the investigation.

Security camera footage from a nearby home captured the moments gunshots rang out. Fresno Police said they received a 14-round ShotSpotter notification.

Investigators could be seen marking potential evidence on Tuesday afternoon. Several cars were damaged by the gunfire.

"Honestly these individuals are just shooting randomly into the parking lot," said Lt. Larry Bowlan of the Fresno Police Department.

Police said the shooting occurred in an area with heavy foot traffic, raising concerns about public safety.

"When we have that many individuals around and then we have people like this that are involved and causing disturbances and shootings, they are putting a whole community at risk," Bowlan said.

Officers said an innocent bystander suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and is expected to be okay.

Investigators believe at least one person from two separate groups began shooting at each other. Police have not determined whether any words were exchanged before the shooting.

"We were very lucky today. Even a shopping center like this, even though it's smaller in nature, we had a lot of people walking around out here," Bowlan said.

Witnesses reported seeing suspects flee the area after the shooting. One neighbor told Action News he saw individuals hiding in his apartment complex, while another saw someone running down the street.

"I was driving and then I see this kid run across my truck and then I park and I don't think anything of it until I see a helicopter flying over and then a bunch of cop cars just swarm," said John Bunch, who was working nearby.

Nearby neighbors said the gunfire initially sounded like fireworks.

"At first I thought it was just firecrackers because that happens a lot in our neighborhood. But then I realized it was gunshots when I saw a car driving away really fast and my brother saw someone running out of DD's," said neighbor Cayla Hood.

Police detained at least three people following the shooting. Authorities said one of those individuals is believed to be involved, and the investigation is ongoing as officers review surveillance video and continue interviewing witnesses.

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