The man who caused a Selma Police Officer to fire his gun has been identified as 32 year old Michael Mathison of Selma.
He is in the Fresno County Jail facing charges of brandishing a gun, carrying a loaded firearm, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, committing a felony while armed and assault with a firearm. He was also charged with robbery for an unrelated incident. His bail is set at $400,000.
Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, May 3rd, an officer with the Selma Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having a license plate. The vehicle pulled over near McCall and Mountain View Avenues in Selma. A second Selma Police officer responded to the traffic stop to assist the officer who initiated the stop. During the stop, the passenger, Michael Mathison, displayed a gun. The initiating officer, who feared for the safety of himself and his partner, fired his gun and struck Mathison while he was outside of his vehicle. The suspect fled into a nearby orchard. Additional officers and deputies were requested for assistance and they responded to the scene. A short time later, Mathison was located and officers were able to safely take Mathison into custody. They provided medical treatment to Mathison until EMS personnel arrived. They then transported Mathison to the hospital, who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Officers contacted the driver, who remained inside the suspect’s vehicle. They were compliant and officers detained them for safety reasons. Officers recovered a loaded gun Mathison had in his possession.
No officers or deputies were injured. The officer who fired their gun has worked for the Selma Police Department for two years.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives were requested to respond to the scene to handle this investigation, which is now ongoing. Detectives have since determined other law enforcement agencies in Fresno County consider Mathison to be a person of interest in other previous crimes.
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Jose Diaz at (559) 600-8204 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
