FRESNO, Calif (FOX26) — The Fresno Police Department has released a Critical Incident Video detailing a deadly shooting involving its SWAT team in August.
The video includes body-worn camera footage and other materials related to the incident.
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On August 23red at approximately 1:45 p.m., officers responded to a domestic violence disturbance involving 35-year-old Joseph Merical at an apartment near Blythe Avenue and Austin Avenue.
As officers attempted to take him into custody, he resisted, barricading the apartment door and arming himself with two large kitchen knives.
Officers partially forced open the door, at which point Merical attempted to stab an officer.
Additional resources, including the Crisis Negotiations Team and SWAT, were called in.
Despite negotiators’ efforts over several hours, Merical refused to comply, stating he would not return to prison and making obscene gestures.
He eventually exited the apartment, armed with both knives, and charged at officers in the parking lot.
Officers used less-than-lethal munitions, which were ineffective, leading to the use of lethal force.
Merical was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Two knives were recovered next to him.