Former Aide Arrested in Alleged Attack on Oliver Baines

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.

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.