A deeply troubling sequence of events unfolded in Fresno this week when 32-year-old Isaac Hare—identified as a former deputy with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office—took his own life after disarming a policing officer while in custody.
Hare had been under investigation by the Fresno Police Department for alleged retail theft and impersonating an officer. Detectives arranged a meeting with him at the Northwest Policing District station in Fresno, where they intended to formally arrest him.
When Hare arrived at the station, officers say he resisted arrest and tried to draw a firearm. According to the department, he was tased multiple times before being subdued. Authorities also discovered he had a gun concealed on his person when the confrontation began.
After being taken into custody, Hare was transported to Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Fresno for evaluation. While there, during a break when he was reportedly allowed to use the restroom, Hare attacked an officer, seized the officer’s service weapon and shot himself. Chief Mindy Casto confirmed he died from his injuries.
Law-enforcement experts are now questioning how an individual in custody—and handcuffed or under supervision—could access an officer’s holstered firearm. One expert noted that typical holsters include retention mechanisms, and speculated that Hare’s background in law enforcement may have given him the knowledge or confidence to act so quickly.
A search warrant executed at Hare’s residence turned up an arsenal including firearms, ammunition, uniforms and police-style equipment. Investigators found items suggesting Hare still had access to law-enforcement paraphernalia long after leaving the job he once held.
The Fresno Police Department says the case remains under full investigation, with both internal and external reviews expected. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave—a standard procedure—to allow the review process to proceed without interference.
