LAKE COUNTY ? Two men who were allegedly involved in a home invasion robbery that occurred in the Hidden Valley Lake area in Nov. were in court this week. Preliminary hearings were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Judge Richard C. Morton heard evidence against co-defendants Charles William Burk, 30, of Santa Rosa; and Malcolm Safa Brown, 41, of Graton.
A mountain of charges has been filed against both of the men. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff, who is prosecuting the case, Burk faces 17 criminal charges and Brown faces 10.
Among the charges filed against Burk: assault with a firearm, attempted robbery, first-degree burglary, vandalism plus some special allegations including use of a firearm and assault with means for causing great bodily injury. In addition, Burk also faces attempted murder charges.
Similar charges have been filed against Brown in addition to felony assault on a peace officer and charges for prior strikes against his record.
“On April 13 in Superior Court Department 3, they will be arraigned on the charges that Judge Martin held them to answer upon,” Hinchcliff said. “If it goes trial I”m expecting it could take two to four weeks.”
According to information previously released by the Lake County Sheriff”s Department, the incident initiated around 7:20 a.m. Nov. 13 on Noble Ranch Road in Lower Lake when Burk and a second man, later identified as Brown, allegedly attempted to invade the home of Burk”s adopted parents. Burk reportedly assaulted his father, Donald Merrill, 52, and his brother Donald Merrill Jr., 22. During some point in the assault Burk allegedly acquired a rifle from the home and tried to shoot his father.
Following a day-long search that had area residents on full alert, both men were individually apprehended. Burk was taken into custody around 2 p.m. after residents of Stonegate Road reported that a man was hiding beneath their deck. Burk had reportedly refused to surrender and a TASER was deployed to gain his compliance.
Brown was detained around 4:26 p.m. and taken into custody following positive identification by the victims in the case. Officers had reportedly located and detained the Brown in a field near State Route 29 and Arabian Lane following citizens” reports and a 20-minute search of the area.
The incident also involved what was reported as intentional ramming of a patrol vehicle, charges for which, according to Hinchcliff have been filed against Brown.
Burk”s defense is being conducted by Thomas Quinn and Brown is being represented by William Conwell.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
