A man has been arrested following a Saturday incident that involved a woman getting shot in the eye with a BB gun at a Wal-Mart in Stevenson Ranch, CA. The shooting is still under investigation but may be connected to road rage, according to authorities. The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned in North Valley District Superior Court today.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office, the 28-year-old man was arrested at his Santa Clarita area home and booked on suspicion of mayhem, following a tip. He is a parolee and is therefore being held without bail. An LA County Sheriff's deputy said the suspect kicked out a patrol car window and had to be subdued with pepper gas when he was arrested. Detectives also seized a BB gun they believe may have been used in the shooting.
The incident occurred around 10:30pm Saturday at a Wal-Mart on The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch, a normally quiet community in the Santa Clarita Valley. According to authorities, it started with a verbal altercation in the parking lot between a 22-year-old woman and the suspect. The woman was a passenger in her boyfriend's car, and after they pulled out of the parking lot the suspect allegedly followed them in his own vehicle, pulled up beside them and shot the woman in the eye.
The woman was taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and underwent surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center on Sunday.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the suspect in this BB gun shooting may face criminal charges for battery causing serious bodily injury or a similar violent crime. The extent of the victim's injuries and evidence that comes to light as the case progresses will influence the type and severity of charges. Because the suspect is currently on parole, he can also expect to face harsher consequences of his arrest and possible charges. He is already being held without bail, as an example.
Immediately retaining legal counsel is crucial if you have been arrested or even informally accused of a crime. This is even more important if you are currently on parole or probation or have a criminal record, as this can create further complications and enhanced penalties if you are convicted. With violent crimes, you may also be at risk of getting a "strike" on your criminal record. Under California's three strikes law, a second strike may result in double the normal penalties and a third strike may result in double the penalties or up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lessem & Newstat offers experienced criminal defense counsel in Los Angeles and the surrounding communities in Southern California. We understand the nuances involved in representing parolees and other defendants facing violent crime charges and can use our resources and knowledge to seek the best result in every case we handle. If you are interested in learning more about our firm and services, please call for a confidential consultation.
