LAKEPORT >> Matthew Christian Holmes created a stir in the courtroom this week, simply by his absence.
The 33-year-old from Rohnert Park failed to show for an 8:13 a.m. arraignment hearing. The judge took judicial notice, entering Holmes’ September release on his own recognizance.
By 11:36, however, the defendant — accused of attempting to steal an ambulance — arrived and entered a plea of not guilty.
Holmes was arrested in September after paramedics found him in the driver’s seat of their ambulance outside the St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake emergency room. According to Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Hobbs, the ambulance crew noticed him searching for keys.
Holmes exited the vehical after paramedics shouted at him and waited under their supervision until police arrived.
Officers reported at the time that Holmes showed signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the Arraignment Hearing and the Court appoints Edward Savin to represent the defendant.
The matter is scheduled a Setting of Jury Trial Hearing on Nov. 1 at 8:15 a.m. in Department Four.
Following his arrival in court the judge rescinded previous orders. Holmes is ordered to be present at the November hearing.
