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Fresno Police release bodycam footage of near-miss officer-involved shooting
Footage shows how a routine patrol turned into a life-or-death moment for officers
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Fresno Police have released body camera footage showing an officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 7, 2025. The footage shows a patrolling officer attempting to make contact with 41-year-old Bradley Nicholson, who was on post-release community supervision, leading to a brief struggle and Nicholson opening fire on the officer. The officer returned fire, narrowly missing Nicholson, who then fled the scene before being apprehended by the SWAT team after an hour and 20 minutes.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the dangers that officers face during routine patrols and the need for continued training and de-escalation tactics to minimize the use of lethal force. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of post-release community supervision programs and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders.
The details
The body camera footage shows the officer attempting to make contact with Nicholson, who gave a fake name. This led to a brief struggle, during which Nicholson shot at the officer, narrowly missing him. The officer returned fire, striking Nicholson in the upper torso. Nicholson then fled the scene, leading to a standoff with the SWAT team that lasted over an hour before he surrendered.
- The incident occurred on the evening of December 7, 2025.
- Nicholson was shot in the left cheek and taken to the hospital, where he was later released.
- Nicholson's sentencing date is scheduled for April 16.
The players
Bradley Nicholson
A 41-year-old man who was on post-release community supervision and opened fire on a Fresno police officer during a routine patrol.
Fresno Police Department
The law enforcement agency that released the body camera footage and is investigating the incident.
Rob Beckwith
The Deputy Chief of the Fresno Police Department who provided details on the incident.
Angelique Wynn
A witness who was in a nearby laundromat when the shooting occurred.
What they’re saying
“The subject was not cooperative. There was a brief struggle between the officer and the subject.”
— Rob Beckwith, Deputy Chief, Fresno Police Department (yourcentralvalley.com)
“By the grace of God, we did not have an officer injured tonight, but it did strike his ball cap. That officer returned fire as the subject began to flee.”
— Rob Beckwith, Deputy Chief, Fresno Police Department (yourcentralvalley.com)
“I was in the laundromat, and I was just putting my laundry in. And then I just heard, like. Like gunshots. This is like, bap bap. And then, like, everybody, like, ran to the door.”
— Angelique Wynn (yourcentralvalley.com)
What’s next
Nicholson's sentencing date is scheduled for April 16, where he will face charges for attempted murder and assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the dangers officers face during routine patrols and the need for continued training and de-escalation tactics to minimize the use of lethal force. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of post-release community supervision programs and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders.
