LAKEPORT >> Alex Michael Castillo entered a plea of not guilty to all counts related to his alleged involvement in a fight and chase in August, after which Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Rob Rumfelt died of an apparent medical issue.
Castillo, 22, appeared in Lake County Superior Court with his retained private Defense Attorney Justin Petersen.
The Lake County District Attorney’s Office originally charged Castillo with resisting a peace officer resulting in death. This count has since been changed to endangering a child with possible great bodily injury. Castillo has also been charged with two counts of resisting an executive officer, inflicting corporal injury on the spouse, battery, and assault with a deadly weapon (other than a firearm), along with numerous violations of probation.
Following a pursuit and reported struggle with the defendant, Rumfelt’s vehicle veered off Hartley Road north of 20th St. and struck a tree as he was leaving the scene.
Law enforcement officers had been dispatched for reports of a fight. LCSO Lt. Corey Paulich said in a statement made at the time that one of those involved in the fight ran from the scene covered in blood.
Deputies located the man, later identified as Castillo, who dashed into a patch of woods near Healton Circle.
The deputies pursued and attempted to take Castillo into custody. He resisted and they were forced to deploy a taser.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided over the latest hearing. The Preliminary Hearing has been set for November 15 at 8:15 a.m. in a department yet to be announced.
The defendant is ordered to be present.
Question over competence delays trial of suspected arsonist
A man accused of starting two wildland fires in June had court proceedings suspended after questions arose regarding his mental competence to stand trial.
Judge Andrew Blum issued a declaration after considering examinations on Merrill Craig Brown conducted by doctors, appointed by the Lake County Superior Court.
Brown, 64, of Hercules, had entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of arson during a hearing at the court. However, his attorney, Thomas Quinn, raised doubts about his client.
During the Review Hearing, the Court received a status update stating Brown is currently number 100 on the male wait list.
Attorney for the Department of State Hospitals Andrea Debler was present by Court call, informing the Court that the mental packet only went to Napa State Hospital. Debler also mentioned that in order for the defendant to be evaluated by the Jail-based Competency Treatment program (JBCT), a medical and custodial security clearance packet needs to be provided.
The defense does not feel that the defendant is suitable for the JBCT program as he has a long clinical history and is in danger of losing his housing in Sacramento.
If the defendant has not been transported to the Napa State Hospital by October 31, the Director of the State Department of State Hospitals is ordered to inform the Court in writing.
This matter will continue on October 31 at 8:15 a.m. for a Review if Transported Hearing.
Brown was ordered to be present — unless transported. He remains in custody.
