March 18, 2025 – A tense holiday weekend in Clovis saw two separate violent incidents that required responses from the Clovis Police Department’s Tactical Operations team, including SWAT and Crisis Negotiations. Both incidents resulted in arrests, with firearms and ammunition recovered.
Road Rage Shooting Leads to SWAT Response
The first incident occurred late Thursday night, March 14, when a road rage altercation escalated into gunfire. Around 11:00 P.M., officers responded to a shooting near Fowler and Ashlan Avenues. Investigators determined that the conflict began near Clovis and Shaw Avenues before moving to its final location, where the suspect fired twice at the victim’s vehicle, striking the hood and driver’s side window.
Utilizing witness statements and the city-wide camera network, police quickly identified the suspect and his vehicle. Early Friday morning, Tactical Operations executed a search warrant at a residence near Sunnyside and Shaw Avenues, arresting 35-year-old Hector Lopez without incident. A search of the property led to the discovery of two handguns and ammunition buried in the backyard.
Authorities also learned that Lopez’s child was in the back seat of his truck during the shooting. Fortunately, no one was injured. Lopez was booked into the Fresno County Jail on multiple felony charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, and child endangerment. The child was safely placed in the care of family members.
“Money Owed” Robbery Ends in Armed Standoff
The second incident unfolded late Sunday night, March 16, when officers responded to a robbery call involving two armed suspects. According to investigators, the suspects confronted the victim over an alleged debt and escalated the situation by brandishing firearms.
As officers attempted to locate the suspects, evidence led them to a residence in Clovis. Due to the potential danger, SWAT and Crisis Negotiations were deployed early Monday morning. After a standoff, both suspects—identified as Nathan Medina and James Johnson—were taken into custody without incident.
A subsequent search of the property resulted in the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. Both Medina and Johnson were booked into the Fresno County Jail on robbery and weapons-related charges.
Clovis Police emphasized the importance of swift action in both cases and credited witness cooperation and technology for aiding their investigations. Both cases serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of violent crime and the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the Clovis community.