Police Arrest Stabbing Suspect as Homeless Concerns Raised
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 5 years ago on
October 16, 2019
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Fresno acting police chief Andy Hall praised his officers for their restraint when arresting a suspect armed with a knife Monday in downtown Fresno.
“I could be standing up here talking about an officer-involved shooting,” Hall told the media at a Tuesday news conference. “The bravery, the professionalism, the restraint of our officers has allowed me to draw attention to this epidemic (of mental illness). I really commend our officers for their restraint.”
Hall, who was sworn in as chief of police Wednesday, spoke about the incident at a news conference arranged by councilman Garry Bredefeld to discuss the homeless issue.
Video Shows Arrest
Acosta appeared to stab himself in the stomach, as police used less lethal methods such as a bean bag gun and a BolaWrap to no avail. The suspect also appeared to hold the knife to his own neck. Officers are heard shouting “less lethal” or “Bola” as they deployed their weapons.
When Acosta approached officers, a Taser was deployed, causing Acosta to drop the knife. He was later restrained and arrested.
Police allege Acosta stabbed an elderly woman and a man described as a good Samaritan who attempted to intervene. Both of them were treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to police.
Fresno police say Acosta is a known member of the Pleasant Street Bulldogs gang, recently released on parole for a home-invasion robbery. He is listed as a transient.
You can watch the video by clicking on the image above.
David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub.
The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices.
Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read.
Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man).
Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl.
When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue!
You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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