FRESNO, California (KSEE) — A robbery hit on a central Fresno smoke shop turned into a shootout Friday when the robbers were confronted by the owner.
Fresno Police Sgt. Tim Tietjen said three men in dark clothing and ski masks over their heads entered Smoke N Vape near Cambridge and Blackstone Avenue’s around 9 p.m.
The three demanded money and took some out of the cashier’s drawer. After that, the owner tried to stop them from leaving — and the two parties started shooting at each other.
Two of the suspects were shot and taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead.
The third suspect is on-the-run, police are currently using helicopters and K-9 officers to find him.
Police are also looking for surveillance video in the area. The owner wasn’t injured in the gunfight.
Tietjen wasn’t able to comment on the men’s ages or any other background information. He did say police will likely be there for hours.