Media

Details: Written by: Tony Botti; Published: 21 August 2026

The suspect in Thursday's stabbing at Fresno's Courthouse Park is identified as Dustin Crawford, 42, of Fresno. He faces charges of attempted murder and attempted murder of a public official. He is in the Fresno County Jail with a bail set at $1 million. He does have a criminal history, including serving time in a state prison.

The victim has been treated and released from the hospital.

PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION

At 1:13 pm on Thursday, dispatchers with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a man being stabbed in Fresno’s Courthouse Park. Deputies assigned to work in the courthouse immediately responded to tend to the victim and search for the suspect.

At 1:16 pm, deputies contacted the male stabbing suspect near the intersection of Fresno Street and Van Ness Ave. A Taser was deployed in order to take the suspect into custody. A weapon was also recovered from the suspect.

The victim, who is senior deputy district attorney with the County of Fresno, was transported to Community Regional Medical Center. He was conscious, breathing and talking during transport.

Sheriff’s detectives are conducting an investigation, trying to determine a potential motive.

If you have additional information that may help this investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111. Tips may also be submitted to Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or online at www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Reference case #26-9714.

PRESS CONFERENCE

Speakers included Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.

On Friday, August 21, updates were provided on the stabbing investigation, including evidence of this being a targeted attack on a senior deputy district attorney.

Sheriff Zanoni and D.A. Smittcamp also discussed some of the reforms they see as being necessary to make California's justice system more efficient and safe for both residents and law enforcement officials.

To watch the entire press conference, visit:

https://youtu.be/THu34LZeUB4