The Selma community is in mourning following the death of police officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect behind the shooting as Nathaniel Dixon, a 23-year-old with a criminal background. This marks the first time in the Selma Police Department’s 130-year history that an officer has died while on duty. This post will look at the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the suspect, and the investigation’s present position.
Background on Nathaniel Dixon
Nathaniel Dixon has a previous criminal record that includes charges of firearms possession, robbery, and drug possession. Since 2019, he has been arrested many times by Selma police. Dixon was charged in 2020 with being a felon in possession of a handgun, having a controlled drug while armed, carrying a loaded pistol in public, and concealing a firearm. He eventually pled no guilty to being a felon in possession of a handgun and received a 5-year, 4-month sentence in March 2022.
However, Dixon was released from custody in September 2022 due to time credits from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. As part of his release, he was placed on Post Release Community Supervision for two years, 11 months, and 30 days following California’s AB 109 law. In February 2023, Dixon’s supervision period was extended to 3 years and 21 days after he failed to report to his probation officer.
The Shooting of Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.
On the day of the shooting, Nathaniel Dixon was arrested within 30 minutes of the incident, and a weapon was recovered near the arrest site. Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr., a two-year veteran of the Selma Police Department, was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, where he later died. This marks the first time in the Selma Police Department’s history that an officer has died while on duty.
Current Status of Nathaniel Dixon
Nathaniel Dixon is currently being held without bail at the Fresno County Jail and is expected to appear in Fresno County Superior Court on Friday. The investigation into the incident is still underway, and officials are looking for justice for the fallen officer and his family.
A Tragic Loss for the Selma Community
The death of police officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. is a devastating loss for the Selma Police Department and the community. Officer Carrasco was a dedicated and brave member of the Selma Police Department, and all who knew him will deeply feel his loss. The events leading up to the shooting serve as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day.
In conclusion, the Selma community is grieving the loss of police officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. Nathaniel Dixon’s previous criminal history and actions leading up to this event highlight the need for ongoing efforts to prevent gun violence and to support our law enforcement officers. The investigation into this shooting continues, and justice will be sought for the fallen officer and his loved ones. Our hearts go out to Officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr.’s family and friends during this tragic time.
Read Also: Who was Alana Sims? What happened to Alana Sims?