Case # 17NF1808
Date: February 23, 2018
MAN CONVICTED OF ASSAULT ON LA HABRA POLICE OFFICERS FOR WIELDING AXE WHEN THEY RESPONDED TO WELFARE CHECK
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted yesterday of assault on La Habra police officers for wielding an axe when they responded to his residence for a welfare check.
| Defendant | Charges | Maximum Sentence | Court Date |
| Dan James Schuneman, 48, Anaheim | Found guilty by a jury on Feb. 22, 2018, of the following felony counts:
|
120 years to life in state prison | Sentencing
April 20, 2018, 8:30 a.m. Department N-11, North Justice Center, Fullerton |
Circumstances of the Case
- On July 4, 2017, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Schuneman contacted the La Habra Police Department (LHPD) and was extremely upset.
- Six LHPD officers responded to the defendant’s residence for a welfare check.
- Schuneman opened the door and brandished a three and a half foot long axe with the word “Pigs” and other phrases inscribed on the handle.
- The defendant walked briskly toward the officers with the axe above his head and the blade facing officers. He ignored commands to stop.
- LHPD officers fired a Less than Lethal beanbag round and a Taser at the defendant with little effect.
- An LHPD officer fired a single round at Schuneman with a handgun and the defendant was taken to a local hospital to recover from the gunshot wound.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will be publishing the results of the officer-involved shooting investigation at the conclusion of the investigation.
Prosecutor: Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Chrisopoulos, Special Prosecutions Unit