KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Police Open Fire on Bank Robbery Suspect

Police Open Fire on Bank Robbery Suspect

By: Nicole Garcia and Kyra J. Neyland

Fresno, Ca.-Fresno Police opened fire on a man who allegedly robbed a Wells Fargo bank at gunpoint on Saturday.

It happened around 2:45pm Saturday afternoon at the Wells Fargo on Fresno and Friant in Northeast Fresno.

Police say a masked gunman walked into the bank and demanded money. Now police have identified the bank robbery suspect as 25-year-old Claudy Philidor.

"The suspect then left the bank, at which time he was seen by a witness removing his mask; making him identifiable," said Deputy Chief Robert Nevarez with the Fresno Police Department.

Police began chasing the suspect through River Park, and then he abandoned his car behind Kohl's department store.

Police say he then ran up the embankment on to Freeway 41, throwing the money away as he fled.

Philidor was met by officers on the other side of the freeway.

"He at that point he was confronted by another officer, who at that time saw the suspect make movements as if he were trying to reach toward a weapon. The officer feared for her safety and at that time fired several shots at the suspect. None of the shots struck the suspect," said Deputy Chief Nevarez.

Police say Philidor then took off again, dumped his clothes, and ran into the Marriott Hotel near Herndon and Blackstone.  That's where he was eventually taken into custody, and identified as the man who robbed the Wells Fargo.

"Since that time we have also found the handgun that was used and the money that was taken from the robbery," said Deputy Nevarez.

Police say it was only a matter of minutes from when the suspect left the bank and was caught.

Police blocked off several streets in Northeast Fresno during the chase and search for the suspect. No one was hurt during the chase or the shooting.

Police say Philidor was on probation and gave them a Los Angeles address. He's now in Fresno County Jail, being charged with armed robbery.