3/8/16 - ***The following information is from the Fresno Police Department*** David Allen Hamilton, a 25 year old Fresno resident, was booked into the Fresno County Jail after attempting to strike a Fresno Sheriff’s Office deputy with his vehicle during a pursuit Monday night.
Hamilton faces multiple charges, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, Felony Evading, Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving Without a License, Violation of his Probation and outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
The Fresno Police Department is conducting the criminal investigation into this incident, as these crimes occurred in the City of Fresno. The Fresno Sheriff’s Office, in accordance with policy, is conducting an administrative review of the incident. Detectives from both agencies worked throughout the night to complete the preliminary investigation, collect evidence at two scenes and secure witness and suspect statements.
The involved FSO deputy attempted a traffic stop at Princeton and Marks on Hamilton’s vehicle, a red 1995 Acura, for expired registration. Hamilton failed to yield to the deputy’s emergency lights, a pursuit ensued through a field, onto surface streets and on Freeway 99. The suspect vehicle exited Freeway 99 southbound at Clinton and turned southbound on Parkway Avenue. Hamilton then intentionally spun his vehicle 180 degrees to face the deputy’s patrol truck. The deputy exited his patrol truck and gave Hamilton clear orders to stop driving and exit the vehicle. Hamilton aimed his vehicle at the deputy and accelerated, narrowly missing the deputy as he jumped back into the truck. The deputy fired shots, struck Hamilton’s car and diverted him from his intended path. Hamilton fled northbound from the scene, having missed the deputy by less than two feet.
Hamilton was observed driving in the area of Valentine and Cortland a few minutes later by officers in the CHP helicopter, who directed ground units to his location. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Fresno Police Headquarters. He later made a statement to detectives describing his role in the chase.
The Fresno Police Department investigation into this incident will continue and we anticipate filing charges with the Fresno County District Attorney later this week. Please contact Lt. Burke Farrah with any questions or follow ups at
3/8/16 - On Monday at 11:25 pm, a deputy from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle at Marks and Princeton for a vehicle code violation.
The driver refused to pull over and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted several minutes and the suspect lost control of the vehicle on North Parkway Dr. and Vassar. As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, the suspect accelerated his vehicle at the deputy. The deputy then fired several rounds at the suspect as he drove at the deputy. The vehicle continued north on North Parkway Drive.
CHP helicopter H-40 assisted on the call and began following the suspect vehicle. The suspect then came to a stop at Dayton and Valentine and was taken into custody. The suspect was identified as David Allen Hamilton, 25 yrs. old. Hamilton was not struck by the bullets.
The deputy in the OIS was not injured. Because the shooting occurred in the city of Fresno, the Fresno Police Department will be investigating the crime and the shooting. The investigation is in its early stages, but Hamilton will be booked into FCJ on felony charges related to the shooting and pursuit.
