People v. Rodriguez

[1542]Opinion

YEGAN, J. The movies glorify instances of suspected criminals attempting to avoid detention and arrest. In the movies, they often succeed in the wake of inept police officers. But in real life, the suspects rarely succeed. Their conduct poses a danger to the police, the suspect, and innocent bystanders. Here, appellant’s attempt to avoid apprehension did not succeed and resulted in injury to the officer. It could have easily been worse. Any attempt by a suspect to gain control of an officer’s firearm is the acme of foolishness. Had appellant succeeded, responding officers would have had justifiable concern for their own safety and a gun battle could have easily erupted.

Jose Luis Rodriguez appeals from the judgment entered after a jury convicted him of deterring, preventing, or resisting an officer by force and violence. (Pen. Code, § 69.)1 Appellant admitted two prior prison term enhancements (§ 667.5, subd. (b)) and was found in violation of probation in another case (case No. 2007006324). The trial court sentenced him to four years in state prison. He appeals contending that the evidence is insufficient to support the element of the offense that the officer was in the lawful performance of his duties when he detained appellant. We reject this contention but modify the judgment regarding a security fee, criminal conviction assessment, and a probation revocation fine. The judgment, as modified, is affirmed.

Facts

On the evening of December 16, 2010, appellant was a passenger in a vehicle that made an illegal turn in front of another motorist at Ojai and Santa Paula Streets in Santa Paula. The driver quickly accelerated away with a police car in pursuit. The car slowed sufficiently so that appellant could “jump” out. He did so and ran away.

Officer J. Rothermel heard the radio broadcast concerning the suspect fleeing on foot. He saw appellant a minute later, half a block away, walking alone on Santa Paula Street. Officer Rothermel stopped, shined a spotlight on appellant, and got out of the patrol car to speak to him. Appellant turned and ran. Officer Rothermel pursued appellant on foot, ordering him to stop. Appellant sprinted eastbound on Santa Paula Street, crossed the traffic lanes, reached into his pocket, and threw an item over a chain-link fence.

Officer Rothermel attempted to subdue appellant. Appellant “tugged” on the officer’s gun holster, attempting to take it. Appellant was ordered to stop