The man accused of stabbing a Fresno County deputy district attorney at Courthouse Park appeared in court Wednesday, where his arraignment was postponed for a third time amid ongoing concerns about his mental health and the broader impact of the case on the local legal community.<\/p>\n
During the hearing, Dustin Crawford interrupted proceedings with an emotional outburst.<\/p>\n
“Judge, I see my stepson…” Crawford shouted before continuing with expletives.<\/p>\n
Family members have previously said Crawford struggles with mental health issues.<\/p>\n
Attorney Scott Baly, who recently took over Crawford’s defense, said Wednesday marked his first opportunity to meet with his client.<\/p>\n
“I’m going to meet with him today in the jail, talk to him and kind of get an assessment on what he’s going through,” Baly said.<\/p>\n
Nearly three weeks after the attack, Crawford has yet to enter a plea. His arraignment has now been postponed three times.<\/p>\n
Baly said the high-profile nature of the case and its effect on Fresno’s legal community have complicated efforts to move the proceedings forward.<\/p>\n
“We all know each other; a lot of people have not been able to take representation on this case. Judges have excused themselves because they know the person, the people involved in the case,” Baly said.<\/p>\n
The case stems from the daytime stabbing of a Fresno County deputy district attorney at Courthouse Park, an attack that prompted renewed discussions about security for prosecutors and other criminal justice employees.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a policy allowing prosecutors and special investigators to carry firearms inside county buildings and parks.<\/p>\n
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said the change is a response to growing safety concerns.<\/p>\n
“I think because the lack of respect for law enforcement has changed so much, we have to adapt, and we are targets. We are targeted,” Smittcamp said.<\/p>\n
Under the policy, employees who choose to carry firearms must possess a valid concealed weapons permit, and any firearm must be legally registered to the individual carrying it. Smittcamp said participating employees will also be required to pass a firearms qualification test twice each year.<\/p>\n
“We are going to do things legally, morally, ethically, but we are not going to sit back and allow ourselves to be victimized,” she said.<\/p>\n
The county also plans to install lockboxes in courtrooms and at the district attorney’s office, allowing authorized employees to securely store firearms while conducting official business.<\/p>\n
While supportive of the new policy, Smittcamp said it should not be viewed as a complete solution to threats against law enforcement personnel.<\/p>\n
“I think that it’s very important that we also realize that this is not the be-all and end-all solution for crime against law enforcement officials,” she said.<\/p>\n
Crawford’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23, when he is expected to be arraigned on the charges stemming from the stabbing.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n