LAKEPORT— Austin Anthony Schweitzer, 26, of Lakeport was in custody and recently appeared at the Lake County Superior Court for further proceedings in regards to a high speed chase incident last month.
Schweitzer has been charged with vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, hit and run with property damage, reckless driving and two counts of resisting a public officer.
During the recent hearing the defendant pled no contest to count two of the Complaint, which was buying/selling/receiving stolen property.
The Court accepted the defendant’s plea and the parties have entered into a sentencing agreement. On the motion of the People, the Court orders the balance of the other charges dismissed in the interest of justice and pursuant to a negotiated disposition.
The matter has been referred to the Lake County Probation Department for the preparation of a sentencing report and recommendation.
The charges stem from an incident last month when a Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy was patrolling in the Clearlake Oaks area, observing a black BMW sedan traveling east on Highway 20. The BMW passed a tractor trailer over double yellow lines in the area of the Orchard Shores Mobile Home Park. The deputy estimated the BMW was traveling at approximately 100 miles per hour.
The deputy attempted to stop the BMW, but the driver continued driving at approximately 100 miles per hour. Several vehicles had to swerve to avoid colliding with the BMW. As the deputy was pursuing the BMW it was reported that the BMW had just been reported stolen from the Power Mart in Lucerne.
The deputy briefly lost sight of the BMW as they continued traveling east on Highway 20. The deputy located the BMW off the side of the road in the area of Highway 20 and Y Road. It appeared the driver had lost control of the vehicle. The deputy then observed the suspect fleeing behind a residence on Y Road. Additional deputies arrived and they were able to take Schweitzer into custody. It was later determined that Schweitzer was on post-release community supervision.
Schweitzer was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was booked.
During the recent hearing, the Court advised the defendant that he is prohibited from owning, possessing or having under his control/custody any firearm, ammunition and ammunition feeding devices, including but not limited to magazines. The Court also ordered that all firearms be relinquished.
The sentencing hearing has been set for May 28 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 3 and the defendant is ordered to be present.
