MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER AIMING SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM WITH BRIGHT TACTICAL LIGHT AT APD OFFICER RESPONDING TO CALL

Case # 17NF2816        

Date: October 16, 2017

MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT AFTER AIMING SEMIAUTOMATIC FIREARM WITH BRIGHT TACTICAL LIGHT AT ANAHEIM POLICE OFFICER RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL

*Officer tazed the defendant while blinded by the light

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was charged with assault on a peace officer after aiming a semiautomatic firearm with a bright tactical flashlight attached at an Anaheim Police Department (APD) officer, who was responding to a domestic violence call.

Defendant	Charges	Maximum Sentence	Court Date
William Velasquez, 36, Anaheim	Charged on Oct. 12, 2017, with the following: One felony count of assault with semiautomatic rifle on a peace officer One misdemeanor count of battery Sentencing enhancement Personal use of a firearm	19 years in state prison	Pre-trial Oct. 20, 2017 Department N-12, North Justice Center, Fullerton

Circumstances of the Case

• On Oct. 10, 2017, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Velasquez is accused of slapping his mother, Jane Doe, in the face. APD was contacted and responded to a call for service.
• When APD officers arrived, they were allowed entry to the home.
• Immediately after Officer Doe opened the door, Velasquez is accused of aiming a bright light at the Officer’s eyes and simulating gunshot recoil.
• Officer Doe deployed his Taser and struck the defendant, who was immediately immobilized.
• During a search of the room, APD located the tactical flashlight, which was attached to a loaded semiautomatic handgun next to the defendant, along with two boxes of ammunition for the firearm.
• Velasquez was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and later arrested by APD, who investigated this case.

Prosecutor: Deputy District Attorney Susan Laird, Special Prosecutions Unit