Man accused of stabbing Fresno prosecutor back in court as county expands firearm policy

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- 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.

During the hearing, Dustin Crawford interrupted proceedings with an emotional outburst.

"Judge, I see my stepson..." Crawford shouted before continuing with expletives.

Family members have previously said Crawford struggles with mental health issues.

Attorney Scott Baly, who recently took over Crawford's defense, said Wednesday marked his first opportunity to meet with his client.

"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.

Nearly three weeks after the attack, Crawford has yet to enter a plea. His arraignment has now been postponed three times.

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.

"We all know each other, a lot of people have not been able to take representation on this case. Judges have accused themselves because they know the person, the people involved in the case," Baly said.

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.

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.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp said the change is a response to growing safety concerns.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

While supportive of the new policy, Smittcamp said it should not be viewed as a complete solution to threats against law enforcement personnel.

"I think that it's very important that we also realize that this is not the be-all and end-all solution for you know for crime against law enforcement officials," she said.

Crawford's next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 23, when he is expected to be arraigned on the charges stemming from the stabbing.

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