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CRITICAL INCIDENT VIDEO RELEASE - OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING: January 2, 2022

The Fresno Police Department shot a man after he stabbed a Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 deputy.

That's according to deputies with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, who were called out to the area of Maple and American in Fresno County just before 5:00 p.m. Sunday. The Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting because it happened within their jurisdiction, so information about what happened comes from that department.

FCSO says the Fresno Police Department was trying to arrest someone wanted for violent felonies like domestic abuse and weapons charges. As they were trying to pick him up, officers asked the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for a K-9 unit to help out.

The Sheriff’s Office says the man they were after, identified as 27-year-old Gabriel Mata of Fresno, ran away when they tried to arrest him. That’s when they sent a K-9 after him. The K-9 took him down, but Mata stabbed the dog at least three times.

Then, the Fresno Police Department shot Mata. The Sheriff’s Office says officers fired multiple rounds, but so far aren’t sure how many hit the man. He was later taken to Community Regional Medical Center listed in critical condition.

“This was absolutely preventable,” said Lt. Brandon Pursell with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. “This suspect made a choice to stab this dog. If he would’ve just given up, none of this would have happened. He had every opportunity to give up. He could have turned himself in, he didn’t have to run, and he for sure didn’t have to stab our dog.”

The K-9, named Cyra, went through medical procedures Sunday and is now at home resting. Mata will now also face charges for attacking the K-9 deputy and resisting arrest.

The FCSO says Mata was booked into the Fresno County Jail and now faces charges related to domestic violence. More charges, deputies say, could be added as the investigation unfolds.