Man shot on West Tomah Avenue

A 31-year-old Porterville man is listed in serious, but stable condition after he was struck with gunfire Wednesday night.

Porterville Police said the man was assaulted in the 1000 bock of West Tomah Avenue about 9:15 p.m. by three other males, witnesses told them.

Police were called to the scene after there were several 9-1-1 calls of shots fired.

As officers arrived, they located the victim who was suffering from gunshot wounds to his face and body. Officers secured the scene and emergency personnel stabilized the victim. The man was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries.

Detectives at the scene were told by witnesses they saw the man being chased by three male suspects prior to hearing the gunshots. The three suspects were then seen fleeing the area on foot after the gunshots.  

It is believed one of the three suspects assaulted the victim with a small caliber handgun, police said.

Police are treating the case as an attempted homicide.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Porterville Police Department’s Investigations Division at 782-7421.