By Suzie Ziegler
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A man accused of stabbing a California deputy will have his charges dropped if he completes a treatment plan and stays out of trouble, a judge ruled earlier this month.
According to KGET, Judge Michael G. Bush granted the suspect, Reginald Anderson, entry into a two-year mental health diversion program. The program calls for Anderson to be released from jail and placed in a rehabilitation facility.
Prosecutors objected to the judge’s ruling.
Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel said Anderson would face no criminal consequences for his “unprovoked assault on a sheriff’s deputy” if he completes the program, according to the report.
“The district attorney considers Anderson’s release an unreasonable risk to public safety, and intends to request the judge reconsider the decision,” Kinzel said.
In July 2019, Anderson called 911 and lunged at Deputy Richard Griffee with a knife, slicing Griffee’s arm. Griffee fired his gun and wounded Anderson.
Anderson is charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm on a peace officer, brandishing a firearm or deadly weapon to avoid arrest and resisting a peace officer resulting in death or serious bodily injury. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office released bodycam footage of the incident. The encounter begins at the 16:50 mark.