Fresno Woman Struck by Car While Fleeing Robbery Suspect

A woman who had been robbed at the intersection of Blackstone and Ashlan avenues in central Fresno was struck by a vehicle as she ran from the suspect and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Fresno Police said. Officers responded to the scene at about 1 p.m. Friday and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police described the victim's injuries as minor but specific: scratches across her body and a laceration on her right elbow. Police reports indicate she was treated at a hospital and listed with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities said they are continuing to gather evidence at the Blackstone and Ashlan location.

Fresno Police have not released the woman's name, age, or the identity of the alleged robbery suspect. Officials also have not provided a description of the vehicle that struck her, whether the driver was the robbery suspect, or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the robbery or the striking. Investigators asked anyone with information to contact Fresno Police at 559-621-7000.

Separately, police say a high-speed pursuit several blocks north near Fresno and Ashlan left one person dead after a different crash. Authorities identified a 28-year-old woman, Ruby Garcia, as the driver who allegedly refused to pull over and ran two red lights before t-boning another vehicle at an estimated 50 miles per hour. The impact killed 56-year-old Fresno grandmother Debbie Criado and seriously injured Criado's daughter, brother and 6-year-old grandson, who remain hospitalized, police said. Garcia was treated at a hospital, released and booked into the Fresno County jail and is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Lt. Larry Bowlan commented on the fatal pursuit: "The reality of it is this person could have just pulled over, it probably could save a lifetime of heartbreak they have to deal with now from killing an innocent citizen."

Authorities caution the two incidents have not been confirmed as connected. While both reports reference Ashlan in central Fresno, Fresno Police have not linked the robbery-and-striking at Blackstone and Ashlan to the separate chase and fatal collision involving Ruby Garcia. Investigators said the probe into the Blackstone and Ashlan incident is active and that further details, including any surveillance footage or witness statements, will be released as they are verified. Anyone with information about the robbery or the vehicle that struck the fleeing woman is asked to call Fresno Police at 559-621-7000.