DA: Fresno man could face 12 to life in attack of city worker

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Charges have been filed in the attempted murder of a city of Fresno employee, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.

According to the DA, 30-year-old Dyllan James Hopkins of Fresno allegedly approached Timothy Smith on the morning of April 11 and struck Smith in the back of the head with a blunt object. Smith, a public works employee, was working on an electrical box at the time of the attack.

As a result, the district attorney says Smith sustained significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital to undergo emergency surgery. Smith is currently listed in critical condition.

Fresno Police reported Padavona had casually walked away into an alley after the attack but was arrested and booked later that day. The DA says his current bail is set at $554,000.

Prosecutors report Padavona faces charges on suspicion of:

• One count of attempted, deliberate, and premeditated murder
• One count assault with a deadly weapon
• An enhancement for causing great bodily injury
• An enhancement for committing a crime while released on his own recognizance

If convicted of all charges, the district attorney states Padavona could face 12 years to life in state prison.

According to the DA, Padavona’s arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in Department 31 of the Fresno County Superior Court.