FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno Police implemented last-minute, heightened patrols of this year’s FresYes Fest, after a man was murdered at the event’s location just one night prior to the celebration kicking off.
Mere hours before hundreds of people were seen walking and dancing at the intersection of Fulton and Inyo Streets, authorities had the area taped off as they investigated Fresno’s seventh murder of 2026.
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Dozens of officers responded after reports of a shooting near a large party just before midnight Friday.
Staff at The Cave Bar and Grill say that party was happening outside their business and had their side doors locked to it. The bar’s management says security at the separate event could have been better and that one of their bartenders heard the gunfire.
“She heard the gunshots, people started running. And after that, it became a crime scene. My bartender’s the one who called 9-1-1,” said Julie Reyes, a manager at The Cave Bar and Grill.
When police arrived, they say they found a man, believed to be in his 40s, lying in the street after being shot in the chest multiple times,
Police say between 30 and 50 people were questioned after the shooting.
Still, hundreds showed up for Saturday’s celebration in that very same location.
“It didn’t really deter me. I feel like we were going to come regardless. You can’t let one or two bad people ruin your good time,” said Raul Cruz.
Others added that the increased police presence made them feel more comfortable.
“Normally, the next day after people are more on their p’s and q’s. So, it’s actually more safe,” said Jocelyn Chetien, who says she attends FresYes every year.
Action News has reached out to the Fresno Police Department for additional information on Friday night’s homicide. At this point, no new details have been released.
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