On the evening of Thursday, August 5th, a Santa Clarita Sheriff Station deputy performed a traffic stop near Via Princessa and Sierra Highway. As the deputy approached the vehicle and asked for the driver’s identification, the suspect quickly sped away, hitting the officer with the side of the vehicle and knocking him to the ground.
After pursuing the vehicle a short distance, the deputy lost sight of it. Later, the vehicle was discovered on the opposite side of a Costco where the incident began. Deputies set up a perimeter once the vehicle was discovered, but were unable to locate the suspect.
Hit-and-run crimes are covered under California Vehicle Codes 20001 VC and 20002 VC and are described as fleeing the scene of an accident without stopping and providing your information.
When the accident only involves property damage, the charge is considered a misdemeanor and filed under California Vehicle Code 20001 VC. However, when someone is injured or killed as a result of the accident, it is usually filed under 20002 VC and can be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances of the case.
If the suspect is caught and charged with a hit-and-run crime, it may be charged as a misdemeanor since the officer was unhurt. However, it’s possible that the suspect faces additional charges, including assault with a deadly weapon or assault on an officer.
If assault with deadly weapon charges are filed, they are covered under California Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC and described as attacking (or attempting to attack) someone with a deadly weapon or in a way that is likely to cause great bodily harm. The potential penalties include up to 1 year in county jail (if charged as a misdemeanor) or up to 4 years in prison if charged as a felony.
Assault on an officer is covered under California Penal Code 241(c) PC and makes it a crime to assault a police officer or other officials who are performing their official duties. The penalties include up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
As of the writing of this article, the suspect is still at large.
