Three people were detained after gunfire injured two people near Olive and Linden avenues.
FRESNO, Calif. — A Fresno police helicopter helped officers track a vehicle after a Tower District shooting early Sunday that injured two people and led to the arrest of 27-year-old Charles Muhammad, police said.
The shooting unfolded around 12:30 a.m. near Olive and Linden avenues after a fight broke out in the crowded entertainment district. Fresno police said officers were already in the area because they expected large Memorial Day weekend crowds at nearby bars and clubs.
Officers heard multiple gunshots and ran toward the sound. They found a 32-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to a hospital and later released. Police said a woman was also injured after being trampled as people fled from the gunfire.
Witness Nathan Boone said he was outside with friends near MIA Nightclub when panic spread through the crowd. He said he saw a black van pass by before the shots rang out. Boone said people started “ducking, screaming and running” as others cried and tried to get away.
Police said officers saw a vehicle leaving the area and followed it. During the pursuit, officers saw a gun thrown from the vehicle, investigators said. The gun was recovered. A police helicopter continued tracking the vehicle until it reached the area of Kona and Beck avenues.
Authorities said the people in the vehicle got out and ran. Three people were detained. Police later identified Muhammad as the suspected shooter and said he had been arrested in connection with the shooting. Officials have not released more details about the other two people detained.
The shooting added to concern in the Tower District, where large nightlife crowds can gather late on weekends and holidays. Police said the quick response was helped by officers already assigned to the area that night. No additional victims were reported.
Detectives are still reviewing what led to the fight, who was involved and how the recovered gun fits into the case. Police have not announced a court hearing date for Muhammad or said whether more arrests are expected.
Author note: Last updated May 25, 2026.