Paramedic hospitalized after fight with juveniles at Clovis store, police say
Herculano Tucay's daughter is afraid his injuries are so severe that he will never be able to return to his work as a paramedic.
CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A local hero and life-saver is now fighting for his life after police say he was involved in a fight outside a Clovis mall over the weekend.
The incident happened at 6:11 p.m. Sunday near the entrance of the Target on Shaw and Clovis.
The Clovis Police Department says the couple, identified by family as Herculano and Lilia Tucay, were walking into the store when they got into a verbal argument with a group of minors.
They say the group left Herculano with extensive injuries, with at least two hitting him even after he was on the ground.
The couple's daughter, Gabrielle Tucay, says her parents were outside the store when the night took a turn for the worse.
STORY UPDATE: Juveniles not facing charges after fight outside Clovis store leaves paramedic hospitalized, DA announces
"The call I got was from my mom saying that my dad was dying," recalled Gabrielle.
Herculano was taken to Community Regional Medical Center, where he remains on Wednesday with critical injuries.
His daughter says he has been in and out of consciousness.
"Taking it day by day, but these next few days are going to be the deciding factor of whatever quality of life he has after this," said Gabrielle.
Lilia is also in the hospital, but Gabrielle says her stay is for a surgery unrelated to the incident and previously scheduled.
She says her dad was supposed to be caring for her mom in the recovery.
"We're all taking shifts, checking in on her, but she made it very clear to us that dad's the priority right now."
Gabrielle says her mother is a nurse and her father is a longtime paramedic for American Ambulance.
She says it's a job he loves.
Gabrielle remembers a time back in 2011 when her father was late returning home from a 24-hour shift because he stopped to help someone.
Action News covered the incident more than a decade ago.
"He came home and told us I was coming down Clovis Avenue right before Kings Canyon, and this car just went into flames and went straight into an apartment building," recalled Gabrielle.
"So he got the driver, evacuated the apartment building, and he pulled them away from the scene."
His daughter says the love and dedication also fill their home.
"He will not hesitate if we need to talk to him, if we need a hug, he'll be there for us," said Gabrielle.
She's afraid his injuries are so severe, he will never be able to return to his work and passion as a paramedic.
Four minors were arrested on various charges in the case and booked into Fresno County's Juvenile Justice Center.
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