Sgt. Rod Lucas


November 2, 2016 - Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims yesterday afternoon released details about the accidental shooting of Deputy Sergeant Rod Lucas.

Around 3:40 pm on Monday, October 31st, an accidental shooting incident occurred inside a Sheriff’s Office building near the Fresno Airport.

Occupying the building at the time were about a dozen Fresno County Sheriff’s Office employees.  There are several rooms in the building and the employees were in various locations throughout the building.  There were four people in the office where the incident occurred, including our deceased Deputy Sergeant Rod Lucas.  Sgt. Lucas and one of the detectives were discussing their equipment, specifically their backup weapons and how they carried them.  The detective had his weapon out and during this discussion the detective’s weapon discharged one round.  The bullet struck Sgt. Lucas in his chest and he dropped to the ground.  CPR was immediately administered by those in the office, then continued by ambulance personnel and eventually staff members at Community Regional Medical Center.  However, Sgt. Lucas succumbed to his injury and was pronounced deceased.

All witnesses have been interviewed, with the exception of the involved detective, whose interview will take place soon.  We do not yet know the mechanics of how the weapon was discharged and do not want to speculate until all interviews and the investigation is complete.  The witnesses in the room were all in different positions in the area doing a variety of tasks.  They saw and / or heard what happened from their own positional perspective.  So far, we have absolutely no reason to believe this was nothing more than a tragic accidental shooting.  

The name of the detective involved will not be released at this time.  He is a 9-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.  Specifics about the firearm that was accidentally discharged are not available at this time.  We can say that the gun was an approved secondary weapon for the detective.  

Sgt. Rod Lucas was 46 years old and a 20 year veteran of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.  He began his career here in September of 1996.  He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2008.  He worked in patrol, with our Chaplaincy Program and served many years of his career as a narcotics detective.  Sgt. Lucas grew up in Tranquility.  He was married with four children (28, 24, 18, and 12) and one grandchild (8).  Rod’s family is one of faith and they are receiving support from their church.  In a conversation with Sheriff Mims, Rod’s wife had one request of the Sheriff’s Office and the public, and that is to “Please pray for us.”  Our Fresno County Chaplains have been of great help to the Office as well as the family during this difficult time.

    

This marks the 12th line of duty death since the Sheriff’s Office was established in 1856.

The Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association (FDSA) has established an account.  Those wishing to help may write a check payable to: Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association.  In the memo column, please write: Rod Lucas Memorial Fund. 

Checks can be mailed to:

FDSA

1360 Van Ness Avenue

Fresno, CA 93721
Source: Fresno County Sheriff Department