Former Aide Arrested in Alleged Attack on Oliver Baines

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 4 years ago on

April 22, 2021

Police arrested the one-time chief of staff for former Fresno City Councilman Oliver Baines after allegedly assaulting Baines on Wednesday night in northwest Fresno.

Raymond Eddy, 52, was charged with assault after the alleged attack.

Eddy and Baines are former Fresno police officers.

“During the dispute, Eddy produced a firearm, held it to Baines’ neck and threatened to kill him. Following the altercation, as Baines was seated in his vehicle, Eddy assaulted Baines by punching him several times with his fists while still holding the firearm. Baines sustained minor facial injuries during the incident.” — Fresno Police Department news release

Baines has remained active in the community since his second council term ended in 2019. He was recently appointed to the Fresno Police Reform Implementation Team to carry out the 73 recommendations from a special commission that he chaired.

Eddy was booked on assault with a firearm, making a criminal threat, exhibiting a deadly weapon, and two drug charges.

The cumulative bail for the five charges is $50,000. Eddy bailed out according to the sheriff’s website, Thursday morning at 10:50 a.m.

Police Describe Incident

Raymond Eddy ( Fresno Police Department)

Fresno police say they arrived at an apartment complex in the 300 block of West Nees in response to a disturbance.

“Further investigation revealed Eddy was involved in a disturbance with former Fresno Police officer and former Fresno City Councilman, Oliver Baines,” a police news release said.

“They became involved in a dispute regarding a failed business venture. During the dispute, Eddy produced a firearm, held it to Baines’ neck and threatened to kill him. Following the altercation, as Baines was seated in his vehicle, Eddy assaulted Baines by punching him several times with his fists while still holding the firearm. Baines sustained minor facial injuries during the incident.”

A bystander captured the incident on cell phone video, which police are reviewing.

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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