Hopland Man Accused of Threatening Other Man with Firearm During Drunken Argument
HOPLAND, CA — “On 06/11/2026 at approximately 10:20 p.m., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 8000 block of Highway 175 in Hopland following a report that a male subject had threatened a 69-year-old resident with a firearm from within the home.
While responding to the location, Deputies spoke with the victim by telephone. During that conversation, the caller identified the involved subject as Steve Fani and reported that he had threatened the victim with a firearm.
Upon arrival, Deputies established contact with Fani at the residence. Fani complied with Deputies’ commands, exited the residence without incident, and was detained pending further investigation.
Deputies then contacted the victim, who was located inside a bedroom within the residence. During the investigation, Deputies learned that the victim and Fani are cohabitants and had been consuming alcoholic beverages prior to becoming involved in a verbal argument.
According to the victim, the argument escalated when Fani armed himself with a revolver, initially pointed the firearm at himself, then pointed it at the victim’s head and threatened to kill the victim. The victim reported that these actions caused them to fear for their life and placed the victim in sustained fear for their safety.
The victim further stated that they were able to take possession of the firearm from Fani and conceal it within the bedroom while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement. Deputies later recovered the firearm during their investigation.
Medical personnel responded to the scene and evaluated the victim. Although the victim did not report or exhibit any apparent physical injuries related to the incident, the victim was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and care.
Deputies also interviewed Fani regarding the incident. He reported that both he and the victim had been drinking alcohol and that a verbal argument occurred, but he denied threatening the victim or using a firearm.
Deputies conducted a search of the residence, collected evidence, and recovered the firearm. Based on statements obtained, physical evidence, and the totality of the circumstances, Deputies developed probable cause to arrest Fani for the following charges:
- 422(a) PC – Criminal Threats
- 417(a)(2) PC – Brandishing a Firearm
- 368(b)(1) PC – Elder Abuse
- 12022.5(a) PC – Personal Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
Fani was placed under arrest and transported to the Mendocino County Jail, where he was later released on bail.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reminds community members that domestic violence presents a significant risk of physical and emotional harm, and that these risks are elevated when firearms or other weapons are involved.
Individuals who are experiencing, or are aware of, domestic violence are encouraged to seek assistance through law enforcement, victim advocacy services, or other available community resources.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
