Tulare police release info on police involved shooting
On Friday, at approximately 9:10 p.m., a Tulare police officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the parking lot of the 1100 block of E Prosperity.
The vehicle was occupied by two male adults and the reason for the stop was for not having a rear license plate.
A follow up officer responded to assist with the stop and made contact with the passenger to obtain his information. The male passenger appeared to be nervous and seemed to be providing a false name however officers were able to utilize other resources to confirm his identity. He was identified as Fernando Trinidad Ruelas and he was found to have a felony warrant for second degree robbery. Officers asked him to step out of the vehicle to serve the arrest warrant at which time he tried to run but was quickly tackled. The suspect continued to be combative and during the struggle one of the officer’s firearms was discharged while still in the holster. The suspect was eventually tased and placed in handcuffs.
After the suspect was secured the officer realized he had received a graze wound to his leg. Medical personnel was summoned and the officer was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Detectives were called out to investigate the incident.
Based on evidence found at the scene as well as witness statements, it’s believed the suspect attempted to pull the officer’s firearm from the holster and in doing so the firearm discharged. This incident is still being investigated at this time.
The driver of the vehicle was released without charges after obtaining his statement. His name won’t be released at this time.
Ruelas was transported to an area hospital to be medically cleared and then booked into the Tulare County Jail and charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting an officer with threats or violence. He’s also being held on several outstanding warrants.
The officer who received the injury was treated and released the same night and is recovering at home. Because he was determined to be a victim of this crime, he wasn’t placed on administrative leave and will soon return to duty.
Anyone having information regarding this incident is urged to call Detective Burrell at (559) 685-2300, extension 2152.