FRESNO, California — Officials from the California Justice Department are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man shot by his parole officer on Christmas Eve afternoon, as reported by authorities on Friday.
The individual involved, identified as Jeremy Sanchez, 26, was at his residence in Fresno when a confrontation occurred between him and his parole officer, as indicated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The agency stated that during the visit, a “physical altercation” ensued, leading the officer to discharge his weapon, striking Sanchez. Efforts to perform lifesaving measures were attempted by the officer; however, Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fresno police arrived following reports of gunfire in the vicinity, with witnesses indicating they heard three shots fired, as covered by local media reports. The parole officer involved in the incident has approximately 13 years of experience in the field, according to CDCR spokesperson Pedro Calderon Michel, who opted not to disclose the officer’s name or provide additional details about the incident.
Court records from Fresno County reveal that Sanchez had previously served time due to convictions for domestic violence and resisting arrest. He also had an outstanding case of misdemeanor vandalism at the time of his death.
In accordance with state law, the Justice Department is conducting the investigation, which mandates an inquiry into all officer-involved shootings that lead to the death of unarmed civilians. Following the completion of both criminal and administrative investigations, the CDCR’s Deadly Force Review Board will also conduct its own review of the situation.
