A Facebook post from Ashley Paulson, who is running for a seat on the Fresno County Superior Court, revealed the prosecutor was shooting a campaign commercial when he was attacked.
According to deputies, around 1:13 p.m. on Thursday, they received reports of someone being stabbed at Courthouse Park in Downtown Fresno.
Sheriff's deputies assigned to the courthouse immediately went outside to aid the victim and search for the suspect.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office said the stabbing was an unprovoked act of violence.
"I've worked for the Sheriff's Office for over 30 years, and this is one of many incidents that have occurred out here of violence," Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said.
The victim was taken to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Deputies say that the victim was awake and talking when transported. His exact condition is unknown.
"It just amazes me that we continue to have acts of violence here at Courthouse Park," Zanoni said.
Courthouse Park stabbing victim identified as Fresno County senior deputy district attorney
Deputies responded immediately, securing the area and searching for the suspect. Authorities said deputies located the suspect minutes later near Van Ness Avenue and Fresno Street.
A witness who asked not to be identified described the scene.
"I heard running and yelling down here on the sidewalk, here on Fulton. Then the suspect ran across the street with a backpack in his hand," the witness said.
Authorities said deputies used a taser to apprehend the suspect.
"A bunch of sheriffs were chasing after him, hollering at him to stop, stop, but he wouldn't stop. As soon as they got across the street, they had to tase him. The first taser didn't work, so they had to tase again to get him to drop to the ground so they could secure him," the witness said.
The Sheriff's Office described the suspect as a man in his 50s. He was arrested following the incident.
Action News cameras captured the man detained at the intersection of Fulton and Fresno streets with at least three sheriff's deputies and two EMS personnel.
Per protocol, officials say the suspect was taken to the hospital before being booked into the Fresno County Jail.
"Until we can learn more from this suspect and why he did what he did, who knows," said Tony Botti of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp issued a statement following the attack:
"We are outraged and deeply saddened by the brazen stabbing of one of our Senior Deputy District Attorneys this afternoon in Courthouse Park.
Our colleague was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he is currently receiving medical care and is being evaluated. We are grateful to the Fresno County Sheriff's deputies who responded so quickly, apprehended the suspect and provided assistance, as well as the medical personnel caring for our colleague.
There is no place in our community for violence against those who serve it. Our prosecutors come to work every day committed to pursuing justice, standing up for victims and protecting our community. They should be able to do their jobs without fear of violence.
Out of respect for our colleague and his family, we will not be releasing his name. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones, and our entire office is standing together in support of them during this difficult time.
We understand the Sheriff's Office and MAGEC are actively investigating this incident and working to determine the motive. We will defer questions regarding the circumstances of the attack and the suspect to the Sheriff's Office. Our focus right now is on supporting our colleague and his recovery."
Authorities also recovered a weapon connected to the incident. Investigators are continuing to work the case and are still trying to determine whether the suspect is an unhoused individual.
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