A 72-year-old Fresno man shot an off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent early Friday morning. The federal employee allegedly assaulted both him and his daughter on their property, according to the Fresno Police Department. The agent, identified as 32-year-old David Gonzalez of Texas, was hospitalized and placed in police custody following the incident.
The incident unfolded shortly before 3:30 a.m. in central Fresno near East Dudley and North Broadway Street. A local woman arrived home and discovered Gonzalez sleeping on her front lawn. She alerted her 72-year-old father, who lived with her, and went outside to ask the sleeping man to leave the property.
Confrontation Escalates on Central Fresno Lawn
When Gonzalez was awakened, police stated he appeared intoxicated and agitated. Without provocation, he allegedly attacked the elderly resident, forcing him to the ground and causing visible physical injuries.
The homeowner’s daughter attempted to intervene to protect her father, but Gonzalez physically assaulted her as well, knocking her to the ground. Fearing for the immediate physical safety of himself and his daughter, the 72-year-old homeowner retrieved a legally owned firearm and fired a single shot, striking Gonzalez in the midsection.
Off-Duty Officer Handcuffs Suspect
Shortly after the shooting, the daughter’s boyfriend-an off-duty police officer-arrived at the residence and placed Gonzalez in handcuffs. Multiple 911 calls brought Fresno Police Department officers to the scene, where they found Gonzalez detained with a gunshot wound.
Paramedics transported Gonzalez by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was listed in serious condition while receiving medical treatment. Investigators confirmed that Gonzalez was off-duty and alone at the time of the altercation. His reasons for being in that specific neighborhood remain under investigation.
Legal Status and Ongoing Investigation
Fresno police announced that the 72-year-old homeowner will not face criminal charges. Authorities noted that he legally possessed the firearm and acted in self-defense. Gonzalez was booked into custody on multiple felony charges, including battery likely to cause great bodily injury, felony vandalism, and battery.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, deferred public inquiries regarding Gonzalez to local law enforcement. Fresno police detectives are continuing their investigation and urge any additional witnesses or individuals with video evidence of the incident to contact local authorities.
