LAKEPORT >> Lizardo Elias Velasquez, 50, was present in court and in custody with his Court appointed Defense Attorney, Barry Melton. Because Velasquez waived his rights to a preliminary examination, the matter is now set for jury trial.
A trial readiness conference was held on Friday, with a calendar call set for Oct. 14. If confirmed at that point, the jury trial will begin Oct. 19 at 8:15 a.m.
Velasquez is charged with Threats to Commit Crime Resulting in Death, Assault with Deadly Weapon, Assault Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury and Resisting an Officer.
The charges stem from a July incident when Velasquez allegedly threatened to stab a Lakeport woman then approached police officers with a knife in hand. According to Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen, the defendant did not heed demands that he drop the weapon, and he had to be downed with a Taser.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the Arraignment on an Information hearing, while Deputy District Attorney John Langan was present in court as well.
A copy of the Information was given to Defense Counsel Melton, while a formal reading of the Information and advisement of rights was waived.
