Selma police officer killed by suspect released on AB 109 prison realignment law

A police officer in the city of Selma near Fresno was shot and killed on Tuesday. The officer, 24-year-old Gonzalo Carrasco Jr., was a two-year veteran of the force.

According to the Modesto Bee, the suspect, 23-year-old Nathaniel Dixon of Selma had a previous criminal history.
“The suspect served time in prison and is currently on probation as part of California’s AB 109 law (prison realignment). According to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect was sentenced back in March 2022 to serve 5 years, and 4 months in prison. But he was eventually released by September 2022 and placed on Post Release Community Supervision, the DA’s office said.”

Modesto Bee

Details of the Incident

At approximately 11:45 a.m., on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Officer Carrasco responded to a homeowner who flagged him down as he patrolled the 2600 block of Pine Street in Selma. As Officer Carrasco exited his patrol vehicle and approached to make contact with a suspicious man on the homeowner’s property, the subject, who was later identified as 23-year old Nathaniel Dixon, immediately fired several shots which struck Officer Carrasco. Dixon fled the scene while still armed. A citizen dialed 911 and reported the shooting.

Selma Police officers, Selma Emergency Management Services (EMS), and multiple partner agencies responded and provided medical aid to Officer Carrasco. He was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he was taken into surgery and later succumbed to his injuries.

Various law enforcement agencies searched the vicinity of the scene for the gunman, who was described as having a tattoo on his face. Around 12:10 pm, a deputy spotted the suspect near Fig and Sequoia streets and he was taken into custody. Dixon’s gun was later recovered a short distance from where he was arrested. From this point, Selma Police requested the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office take over the investigation.

Memorial Services and Donations

Flags throughout Selma are being flown at half-staff today in honor of Officer Carrasco. Details regarding services are forthcoming in separate communications from the City of Selma via the City’s website, www.cityofselma.com and various social media channels.

A prayer service for Officer Carrasco will be held at the Selma Adventist Hospital’s prayer garden on Friday, February 3rd at 7:45 am.

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family. Please send contributions to: Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association, C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund, 1360 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA 93721.

For other contributions directly to the family of Officer Carrasco, please send to Selma Police Department, 2055 Third Street, Selma, CA 93662.

Selma Police Department