Rod Barron Lucas was a 46-year-old sergeant with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Special Investigations Unit. On October 31, 2016, he was struck in the chest by an accidental discharge of a fellow detective’s personal backup weapon, a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson with trigger safety but no external thumb safety. Lucas was given medical attention but died from his injuries.

The shooting was classified as a homicide, described in the report as an accidental killing. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conducted forensic analysis and interviews, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case; investigators concluded the shooting was a tragic accident and no criminal charges were filed. Lucas had served in law enforcement for more than two decades and was remembered by colleagues, friends and family as a dedicated officer and community volunteer.

If anyone knew Sergeant Lucas or has information about the department’s use and training with backup firearms at that time, please share what is known.