FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A suspect has died after shooting himself at Community Regional Medical Center with a Fresno Police officer’s gun, chief Mindy Casto says.
“This case started back last week, investigating organized retail theft crimes and this individual was identified as being involved with that. He was also identified as being involved in several impersonation of a police officer,” said the Police Chief.
Investigators had met with the 32-year-old man at the northwest Fresno police station in preparation for serving a search warrant at his home on Monday. When officer’s attempted to take him into custody, Casto says he resisted.
A fight broke out, and the suspect was tased four times while he tried to arm himself with what they later found was a loaded firearm in his bag that was recovered after the fight.
Since the man was tased, per the department’s policy, he was taken to CRMC for treatment.
During a bathroom break at the hospital, the suspect suddenly attacked an officer and was able to disarm his holstered firearm.
“Within split seconds, he was able to shoot himself in the head with the firearm,” Casto says.
Life-saving measures were provided but the man was pronounced dead at the hospital.
No officers or CRMC employees were injured.
“I am eternally thankful that nobody else was hurt. The officer, I will tell you this, you can tell he was committed and was not going to let somebody else get hurt. He reacted very quickly,” said Chief Casto.
Police believe the suspect did have prior law enforcement experience but not with Fresno Police.
The officer whose gun was used will be placed on administrative leave.
