PPD: Suspect arrested after being shot by officer on Tuesday

A Porterville man was arrested Tuesday morning after an officer-involved shooting in southwest Porterville, police said.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Porterville Police Department received a call reporting gunshots being fired in the area of the 200 block of North York Street.

The initial officer arrived and while in the 200 block of North York Street, he heard additional gunshots. The officer believed he was being shot at and observed the suspect, later identified as Jose Martinez, 31, of Porterville, fleeing into a residence in the 200 block of North Patsy Street, police said.

As additional officers arrived to assist at the residence on North Patsy Street, they heard arguing from inside the residence and began to approach.

As they approached the residence, Martinez fired additional gunshots, and then exited the house armed with a handgun. One of the officers fired at Martinez, striking him one time in the abdomen, police said.

Martinez initially fled back into the residence, but ultimately exited and surrendered without further incident. He was transported to Sierra View Medical Center where he was treated for a non-life threatening injury.

None of the officers were injured. An adult female and young child were also located in the residence, but were unharmed, police said.

As is protocol for this type of incident, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the criminal investigation into this incident, police said.

Investigators located the weapon, a 9 millimeter handgun, inside the residence, as well as numerous shell casings in various locations, police said. Additional evidence was obtained which substantiated that Martinez had fired his weapon at officers. Investigators also located concentrated cannabis, marijuana, and prescription narcotics packaged for sale as well as other items associated with the sale of narcotics.

PPD is conducting an internal affairs investigation to ensure adherence to department policy and procedure. In accordance with department policy, the officer was immediately placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, police said. The officer who shot Martinez is a 20-year veteran in law enforcement with the Porterville Police Department.

Martinez was booked into the Tulare County Jail on suspicions of attempted murder, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, child endangerment, as well as various narcotics-related offenses.