Selma police officer shot, killed in small city outside Fresno

A Selma police officer on duty was fatally shot Tuesday while responding to a local resident’s concern, stunning many in the small town southeast of Fresno.

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr., 24, is the first officer to die on duty in Selma, a majority Latino city of fewer than 25,000 people, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the murder. Carrasco served with the Selma Police Department for less than two years and became a father.

The man who investigators say fatally shot Carrasco has been arrested and is being held without bail.

According to the sheriff’s office, Carrasco was pulled over around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday by a woman concerned about a “man suspicious” at her property in a neighborhood west of US Route 99. Carrasco tried to get close to the man, but the man fired multiple shots at Carrasco, killing him.

Nathaniel Dixon, 23, of Selma, was charged with suspected murder, criminal possession of a gun and ammunition and violation of probation. He is being held without bail.

(Police Service Selma)

The man, later identified as 23-year-old Nathaniel Dixon, ran from the scene of the shooting. After a brief search by police, Dixon was found about a mile away, and officers recovered a gun not far from where Dixon was arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.

Dixon, a Selma resident who deputies said has a significant criminal history that includes prison time, was sentenced to the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of murder, as a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition, and for violating probation. He is not eligible for bail on the probation violation charge, lawmakers said.

Carrasco died in hospital, officials said. He became an officer with the Selma Police Department in May 2021. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters and girlfriend who are currently pregnant with their child.

“I am absolutely outraged,” Selma Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz said, according to the Fresno Bee. “I’m just horrified. That is the worst case scenario.”

Carrasco had been with the police for less than two years when he was fatally shot.

(Police Service Selma)

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the flags on the Capitol would be flown at half-mast in honor of Carrasco.

“Jennifer and I join all of our family, friends and colleagues in mourning the tragic loss of Officer Carrasco, who dedicated his life to protecting his community,” Newsom said a statement. “His tremendous courage, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Assn. established a memorial fund for Carrasco’s family.