Viewer discretion is advised. The Fresno Police Department has released video footage and details surrounding a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday afternoon near Blythe Avenue and Austin Way in Fresno, California. According to police, officers responded around 1:45 p.m. to reports of a domestic violence disturbance involving 35-year-old Joseph Merical. When officers arrived, Merical barricaded himself inside the apartment, armed himself with two large kitchen knives, and refused to surrender. Crisis negotiators and SWAT officers attempted to deescalate the situation for several hours. Police say Merical ignored repeated commands and made threats toward officers, stating he would not return to prison. After a prolonged standoff, Merical charged down the stairs toward officers with both knives in hand. Officers first deployed less-lethal rounds, which were ineffective. Moments later, officers discharged their firearms, striking Merical. He was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. Two knives were recovered at the scene. No officers were injured. This marks the fifth officer-involved shooting in Fresno so far this year. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP, or Fresno Police Detectives M. Yee (559) 621-2407 and J. Baroni (559) 621-2516. This video contains graphic content that may be disturbing to some viewers. The footage is presented for transparency, news reporting, and educational purposes only. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. #FresnoPolice #OfficerInvolvedShooting #BodyCamFootage #PoliceVideoRelease #LawEnforcement #CaliforniaNews #PoliceTransparency #BreakingNews