Man shot 2 weeks ago by CHP officers and Fresno deputy dies in hospital, police say

Thaddeus Miller

A man shot several times about two weeks ago by Fresno-area law enforcement officers has died, Fresno police said on Thursday.

He was identified in the department’s update to the fatal incident as Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno.

California Highway Patrol officers and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office deputies on the Help Eliminate Auto Theft, or HEAT, team attempted to arrest Rojas about 3 p.m. Aug. 20 near Grant Avenue and Seventh Street, police said.

They approached Rojas while he was in a car officers believed to be stolen, police said previously.

The officers were in an unmarked car but had activated their lights and sirens, Fresno police Lt. Paul Cervantes said on the day of the shooting.

Police said Rojas rammed two of the unmarked cars and three officers opened fire.

Two were CHP officers — one was a veteran of 29 years and the other had more than 10 as an officer — according to Fresno police. The third was with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and had nine years of experience.

Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno was identified Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, by Fresno police as the man shot and killed by three law enforcement officers -- two from the California Highway Patrol and one from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot Aug. 20 and died in the hospital on Aug. 30.
Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno was identified Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, by Fresno police as the man shot and killed by three law enforcement officers -- two from the California Highway Patrol and one from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot Aug. 20 and died in the hospital on Aug. 30.

Rojas was struck multiple times by gunfire and was transported to an area hospital in critical condition, police said the day of the shooting.

Police said Thursday that Rojas succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 30 at Community Regional Medical Center.

They also wrote in the Thursday news release that Rojas was wanted for violating his probation, having been previously convicted of carjacking, auto theft and evading police.

Officers found a gun in the floorboard of the car after they shot Rojas, police said Thursday.

A neighbor in the area told The Bee on the day of shooting he was resting inside when he heard the commotion. He said he heard at least 10 shots.

Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno was identified Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, by Fresno police as the man shot and killed by three law enforcement officers -- two from the California Highway Patrol and one from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot Aug. 20 and died in the hospital on Aug. 30.
Angel Rojas, 39, of Fresno was identified Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, by Fresno police as the man shot and killed by three law enforcement officers -- two from the California Highway Patrol and one from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. He was shot Aug. 20 and died in the hospital on Aug. 30.
Fresno police blocked off Grant Avenue near Seventh Street in Fresno after California Highway Patrol officers shot a man on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, according to police.
Fresno police blocked off Grant Avenue near Seventh Street in Fresno after California Highway Patrol officers shot a man on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, according to police.
Fresno police blocked off Grant Avenue near Seventh Street in Fresno after California Highway Patrol officers shot a man on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, according to police.
Fresno police blocked off Grant Avenue near Seventh Street in Fresno after California Highway Patrol officers shot a man on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, according to police.

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