Update: Police deploy robot inside Fresno home in search for suspect, kids. They came up empty
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After long standoff, Fresno police say children returned to family. The latest on the search
Original story below
Police attempting to end an hours-long standoff with a wanted suspect at a Fresno home deployed a robotic device inside the residence late Sunday afternoon, only to find neither the man nor two children who were believed to be with him.
The investigation is ongoing, and Fresno detectives are following up on leads to find the man and ensure the safety of the children, Fresno Police Lt. Bill Dooley said in a statement. The suspect was wanted in connection with a domestic violence case.
“As this is an active investigation, no additional information will be provided at this time,” he said in the statement.
Officers arrived about 8 a.m. Sunday at the home on East Harvest Lane, in the gated community of Harvest Park. The standoff continued into the afternoon.
Police were dispatched to the home on a report of a domestic assault that had just taken place, Dooley said.
Officers made contact with the mother of the children and alleged victim, who had fled to a nearby home.
“The victim said she last saw the suspect and their two children inside their home,” Dooley said in the statement. “Officers surrounded the residence and attempted to make contact with the suspect. There was no indication that the children were in immediate danger.”
Fresno police activated the SWAT team because of the nature of the call and potential access to weapons, he said.
“A robot was sent into the residence and officers were able to determine neither the suspect nor the two children were inside,” Dooley said in the statement.
Earlier in the day, police had declined to provide many details, other than to say a man was barricaded inside, and that police would remain on scene until he was taken into custody or investigators determined if he had managed to get away.
All of East Harvest was taped off to restrict access in the area, along with portions of South Applewood Lane.
Police could be heard speaking through a loud speaker to someone. Closer to noon, more police personnel and equipment arrived, including an armored vehicle and crime scene investigators.
Neighbors hung out in their driveways to watch it unfold, but they did not know any details about the police activity.
