July 19, 2023 – Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at around 5:30 p.m. on July 12th, 37-year-old Jesse Lee entered the main lobby of the Fresno County Jail. He approached the visitor’s window and told the correctional officer he wanted to turn himself in. Lee went on to say he was carrying a firearm, then lifted his shirt to show it to the correctional officer. Lee then placed the gun on the counter and laid down on the floor. The correctional officer exited the booth, detained Lee, and secured the firearm (pictured), which was later determined to be unloaded.
A deputy responded to the jail and contacted Lee, who made a statement that he was there to “commit suicide by cop.” Lee was transported to a mental health facility for evaluation. He now faces two criminal charges related to possession of a firearm in a jail.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public of resources available to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost. Fresno County Behavioral Health’s mental health / substance abuse hotline is 1-800-654-3937. The Central Valley Suicide Prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can be reached at 559-224-2469.
Source & photo: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office
