Around 11:45 am on Tuesday, January 31, Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. was patrolling the 2600 block of Pine Street in Selma when he pulled over to do a subject check on a man later identified as Nathaniel Dixon.
As Carrasco got out of his vehicle to approach, Dixon immediately pulled out a privately manufactured AR-15 style rifle and fired several .223 rounds, striking Officer Carrasco. Dixon then took off running while still armed with his gun. A nearby citizen dialed 911 and told dispatchers someone had shot an officer.
Selma Police officers, Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies, Cal Fire firefighters and Selma EMS responded and provided medical aid to Officer Carrasco. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center. He was taken to surgery and later passed away.
Multiple officers and deputies responded to the area and began searching for the gunman who was described as having a tattoo on his face. Around 12:10 pm, a deputy spotted the suspect near Fig and Sequoia and he was taken into custody. Dixon was not armed at the time. Law enforcement made it a top priority to find that gun, especially since an elementary school was located along Dixon’s escape path. Our biggest concern was that a child might get their hands on that weapon. After an extensive search, deputies found the gun in a homeowner’s yard, along with other personal items Dixon had discarded. From this point, Selma Police requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the entire investigation.
23 year old Nathaniel Dixon of Selma is now in the Fresno County Jail. The District Attorney's Office has filed charges of murder, special circumstances and enhancements for the murder of a police officer, intentional discharge of a firearm causing death and being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition. He is not eligible for bail.
24 year old Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. began his career with the department in May of 2021. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters and girlfriend, who is currently pregnant with their child. This marks the first line of duty death for the Selma Police Department, which was formed in 1893.
Funeral services for Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco will be held in downtown Fresno at Selland Arena on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10:00 am.
The Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family.
Please send contributions to:
Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association
C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund
1360 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA 93721
Donations can also be made at this website:
https://porac.org/members/fund-a-hero/line-of-duty-death
Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to please contact Sheriff’s Detective Richard Antunez at (559) 600-8221 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case # 23-1223.
