L.A. County Superior Court Judge Martha Matthews ordered a suspect committed to a mental health facility for a maximum of two years, following another court-approved medical report.
Following a second evaluation, Matthew David Wagner, 33, of Torrance, was remanded to custody for placement in the Department of State Hospitals, after being charged with assault upon a peace officer or firefighter; fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly; and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer, peace officer or emergency medical technician, according to the Sept. 10 minute order for the mental health diversion court where his case was being heard.
“It is further alleged as to count(s) 1 and 2 that the defendant(s), Matthew David Wagner, engaged in violent conduct in committing the above offense(s) that indicates a serious danger to society, with the meaning of California Rules of Court Rule 4.421(b)(1),” according to a criminal complaint filed against Wagner.
Under state law, if a defendant is found to be incompetent to assist in his own defense, as Wagner was, then criminal proceedings are suspended.
Wagner’s charges stemmed from a 911 call placed from the Golden Valley Trader Joe’s parking lot June 3.
Deputies said someone was reportedly driving erratically. When they arrived, they found Wagner and tried to question him. Deputies alleged when they did that, Wagner tried to hit them with the vehicle he was driving and then left the scene.
Deputies ultimately made a traffic stop at the intersection of Honey Maple Street and Beech Willow Lane, according to station officials.
Wagner was given credit for 99 days served at the Twin Towers jail in Downtown Los Angeles.
“The defendant is remanded to the custody of the Sheriff’s Department for transportation to the treatment program,” according to the minute order. “The court orders the Sheriff’s Department to redeliver the defendant to court without further order from the court once they receive notice from the treatment program that the defendant/patient has been restored to competency.”