A man who was shot by a deputy after he tried to shoot her with her taser gun pleaded not guilty to charges pressed against him.
Around 8 p.m. on May 22 this year, the Sheriff’s office in Vista, an unincorporated city in San Diego county, received a call reporting a disturbance at an apartment complex on Primrose Avenue, near Lobelia Drive. It seemed a person at the premises was causing a commotion while under the influence of alcohol.
The first deputy to arrive at the scene found 4 men smoking marijuana in the laundry room of the apartment complex, sheriff’s Lt. Glenn Giannantonio said. "A physical confrontation ensued between the deputy and at least one of the subjects," he continued.
The man was later identified as 20-year-old Anthony Fernando Garcia. In the ensuing struggle with the deputy, Garcia allegedly grabbed her taser gun and fired it at her. He missed. The deputy then drew her handgun and fired it at Garcia. Witnesses said Garcia was hit in the torso. He was taken to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, and was later reported in stable condition. The deputy was also taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries, but was later released. The nature of her injuries was not specified.
Twelve year old Joel Madsen was at his home next door when he heard the sound of a gunshot. He ran outside with his mother and peered over the fence. Madsen said he saw a man running towards the injured man, saying it was his son. He also claimed seeing smoke coming from the deputy’s gun.
Garcia was arrested and charged with assault likely to produce great bodily injury on a peace officer, resisting an officer with force, and removing a weapon from a peace officer. He was arraigned on Friday, the 25th, facing up to 5 years in custody if found guilty. Garcia has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Bail for the accused was increased to more than $1 million, up from the $50,000 that was set at the time of his arrest.
If you or anybody you know has been involved in a similar incident, you will need the advice of a qualified legal expert. Contact us for more information.
