‘Dedicated, well-loved’: Fresno city worker fights for his life after ‘vicious’ attack

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – More details emerge about the attack on a Fresno employee who is still in the hospital, fighting for his life.  

The Fresno worker attacked in broad daylight was identified by officials as 56-year-old Tim Smith and was known for his outstanding work ethic and helping others.  

YourCentralValley’s cameras were the only ones to capture the moment Fresno police took 30-year-old Dyllan Padavona into custody Friday.

The attack happened less than a mile from the place where Smith was working on an electrical box in Chinatown. Fresno police say Padavona walked up behind Smith and hit him on the head with a blunt object. 

“What we do know, that this was an unprovoked attack,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Since that moment, Smith’s family has stayed by his side in the hospital. 

“This is a large family and they going through some very difficult times,” said Dyer.

Dyer shared a message from Smith’s wife. 

“Rhonda wanted me to convey to all of you her appreciation for the outreach that has occurred, for the prayer, for the support,” said Dyer. 

City Public Works Director Scott Mozier has worked with Smith for over a decade and says he always went above and beyond to help out. 

“This is just a horrendous thing that has occurred with this vicious attack and against, you know, really a dedicated, well-loved employee who was out serving the community,” said Mozier. 

In fact, the day he got attacked, Smith was not supposed to be there as Fridays are his normal days off. 

“He had volunteered for an overtime shift on this Friday and was always known for getting the job done,” Mozier said. 

The man police say is responsible has a lengthy criminal history including assault on police officers, resisting arrest, trespassing, and vandalism. 

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp shared Monday that they expect to receive paperwork from Fresno police on this case Tuesday. 

Smittcamp says her office will be prosecuting Padavona to the fullest extent of the law. 

“We’ll be looking at charges ranging from assault with a deadly weapon with, you know, causing great bodily injury, which has enhancements all the way to potentially attempted murder,” she said.

Smith has worked with the city of Fresno for 20 years and Dyer says doctors have stabilized Smith, but his condition remains critical.