LAKEPORT >> Derrick Kyle Schuleter, 24, appeared with Defense Attorney, Christina DiEdoardo, at the Lake County Superior Courthouse in Lakeport, entering a plea of not guilty to all counts. The defendant also denies the special allegations.
Schuleter is charged with Theft and Unlawful Driving or Taking of a Vehicle, Vandalism, and four counts of Buying, Receiving, or Selling Stolen Property.
The incident occurred on the morning of July 29. Firefighters were tamping down a blaze off 18th Ave. in Clearlake when police officers received a tip about a stolen ambulance. According to reports, an unauthorized man was using the emergency radio in the medic unit.
Officers traced the ambulance using a cell phone left inside the vehicle by one of the firefighters. According to Clearlake Police Sgt. Rodd Joseph, Fire Chief Willie Sapeta and Detective Elvis Cook located the ambulance in the 21000 block of Morgan Valley Rd. The vehicle had been badly damaged.
Cook and Sapeta reportedly found Schuleter near the ambulance with blood on his hands. Police say he had items from the vehicle in his possession and allegedly admitted to the theft.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the Plea Entry, while Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson was present in court as well.
At the request of counsel, this matter is set for a Preliminary Hearing on August 22, 2016 at 8:15 a.m. in Department 3. The defendant is ordered to be present.
