Adult and Infant Reportedly Shot at Birthday Party in Fresno; Suspect Arrested
FRESNO, CA — “On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at approximately 10:14 pm, Southeast Policing District officers responded to the area of Washington Avenue east of First Street regarding a two round ShotSpotter activation. While enroute officers received updates of two shooting victims at a residence on East Washington Avenue. Upon arrival, officers were advised both shooting victims had been transported to a local hospital by family members in private vehicles. Southwest Policing District officers contacted the victims and their family members at the hospital and determined a 23-month-old child and his relative, an adult male in his 30’s were both at the involved location when they were shot. The child was struck once in the lower leg and suffered a non-life-threatening injury. The male adult was struck once in the lower body and was in critical but stable condition. Both victims are still being treated for their injuries at the hospital.
Officers on scene of the shooting also located an additional male adult who was suffering from blunt force injuries to his face and head area. Felony Assault Detectives arrived on scene and obtained information that the adult male suffering from facial and head injuries was actually the shooting suspect in this incident. Detectives learned that the suspect and adult male shooting victim were attending a birthday party at the location when they got into a verbal argument. At some point during the disturbance the suspect produced a handgun and began firing multiple shots at the adult male victim. During this shooting is when the child was struck once by gunfire. Several other people attending the birthday party were not struck by gunfire. The suspect received his injuries after the shooting occurred, when individuals at the party attempted to take the firearm away from the suspect. Officers were able to recover a handgun at the location. The suspect was identified as Paul Benefield, 39 years old and a resident of Fresno. He is in custody and currently being treated for his injuries at the hospital. Benefield will be booked into the Fresno County Jail once released for 2 counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon (firearm) along with firearm related charges.
Although an arrest has been made, the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP (7867). You may also contact the Fresno Police Department at 559-621-7000.”
