An argument in front of Diamond Billiards this weekend, quickly accelerated into a much more violent scene.
Lt. Mark Salazar, Fresno Police Department, says, "Saturday morning about 1:00 a.m. we received a call of a hit and run."
Police say 19-year-old Arnulfo Martinez was fighting with a group of people in the parking lot. He reportedly pulled out a bat, got into his car, and drove straight into the crowd. He then took off.
Lt. Mark Salazar says, "Quickly helicopter assistance helped out and they located the suspect."
After ditching his car in a nearby driveway, police say Martinez ran through a neighborhood and jumped some fences. He was eventually caught and arrested about a mile away at McCardle Elementary School.
"He stated that it was an accident but physical evidence and witness statements contradicts what he was saying," says Lt. Salazar.
Three young men were injured in the hit and run.
Lt. Salazar says, "They sustained different abrasions to different part of their body."
Sherry Dadian, Diamond Billiards Owner, says she works hard to keep trouble away from her business.
Sherry Dadian says, "It's a safe, clean place and we don't allow any shenanigans."
Dadian says the victims were regular customers at the pool hall.
"They left, not a problem. Somebody in the parking lot or in the area or in this general location had an issue with something, and attacked," says Dadian.
Employees tell us Martinez had not been inside the pool hall Friday night. Police aren't sure what started the fight.
Dadian says, "It shouldn't happen to anybody, especially somebody that comes in and spends a lot of time here. They shouldn't end up having a night like that."
The three men who were hit were taken to the hospital for their injuries. Police say they have been released and are recovering.
Martinez has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and hit and run.
TXT 24
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