Man grabs officer’s gun and fatally shoots himself at Fresno hospital, police say
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Suspect under organized-retail theft probe died after disarming an officer.
- Officers tasered suspect four times, recovered weapon, then transferred him to CRMC.
- Officer placed on administrative leave; department reviews custody protocols and force.
A Fresno man died in-police custody Monday afternoon after he disarmed an officer and shot himself in the head at Community Regional Medical Center.
The incident stemmed from earlier in the day, Fresno police Chief Mindy Casto said. The suspect was under investigation for organized-retail theft crimes and allegedly impersonating a police officer.
Casto said when officers attempted to arrest him at the northwest police station, he fought with officers before being tased four times.
Casto said the suspect tried to get his gun from his satchel he brought with him at the northwest police station. The weapon was recovered after the fight.
At CRMC, the 32-year-old man attacked the officer, disarmed him and shot himself in the head, Casto said.
The suspect was pronounced dead.
No one else was injured, Casto said.
Casto said the suspect had prior law enforcement experience.
“It was clear that he was very committed to disarming the officer today and taking his own life,” Casto said. “We’re just grateful that nobody else was hurt during this situation.”
The officer who was disarmed will be placed on administrative leave, Casto said.
