MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno Police identify 32-year-old Isaac Hare as the man who took his own life with an officer’s gun at Community Regional Medical Center on Monday.

“It was just so shocking,” Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said. “Our interactions with him back in 2017 never would have indicate this type of result so it’s extremely sad.”

Sheriff Pogue says Hare worked as a deputy in Madera County from December 2016 to September 2017, but was released during his one-year probationary period.

“I’ve spoken with colleagues and stuff and none of us can remember the exact reason why he was released from probation,” he stated. “From what I can recall from our limited interactions, he seemed like a friendly, outgoing person.”

Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto says Monday’s incident began at a northwest Fresno police station as officers were investigating him for retail theft and impersonating an officer.

RELATED: Suspect dies after using Fresno Police officer’s gun at CRMC, chief says

Investigators say Hare resisted arrest and fought with an officer, then shocked four times and taken to CRMC.

When Hare asked to use the bathroom at the hospital, the arrest turned deadly.

“He was unhandcuffed briefly,” Chief Casto said to media on Monday. “The individual attacked the officer suddenly and was able to disarm him. And within split seconds was able to shoot himself in the head with the firearm.”

RELATED: Law enforcement expert weighs in how suspect got ahold of Fresno PD officer’s gun

Sheriff Pogue mentioned Hare’s training as a law enforcement officer may have helped him remove the officer’s gun from its holster, which have safety features.

“We’re more aware of how a holster functions and that would certainly give him an obvious advantage over a non-trained person in unholstering a weapon from an officer,” Sheriff Pogue stated.

Despite life-saving measures, Hare died at the hospital.

“Hearts go out to the law enforcement agency as well as poor Mr. Hare’s family. It’s a truly tragic situation,” Sheriff Pogue said.

The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while the death is investigated.

For news and weather updates, follow Tiffany Olin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Copyright © 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.