Fresno police officers fatally shot a 35-year-old man armed with knives Saturday afternoon after a standoff at an apartment complex, authorities said.

Officers were dispatched about 1:45 p.m. to an apartment near Blythe Avenue and Austin Way following a report of a domestic violence disturbance involving Joseph Merical, the Fresno Police Department said in a statement.

When officers tried to take Merical into custody, police said he barricaded the apartment door, climbed on furniture and armed himself with two large kitchen knives. At one point, he attempted to stab an officer as they partially forced open the door, according to police.

Crisis negotiators and SWAT officers responded, but Merical refused commands over several hours, police said. He told officers he would not return to pr

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