Man Arrested on Vandalism Charges after an altercation

On Tuesday, February 8th, a man from Newhall was arrested after allegedly damaging his neighbor’s car and then resisting arrest. According to reports, it all started shortly before 7 pm when the suspect threw a rock at his neighbor’s car, causing damage. The suspect then tried to assault the victim. The victim’s girlfriend tried to use pepper spray on the suspect but apparently failed in the attempt.

Once an SCV Sheriff Station deputy showed up at the scene, the suspect became combative with him. After a brief scuffle, the suspect was put under arrest on suspicion of felony vandalism and resisting arrest. He is currently being held at the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Vandalism is covered under California Penal Code 594 PC and is described as maliciously damaging, defacing, or destroying another person’s property. When the amount of damage done is valued at less than $400, the crime is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, if the damage is valued at $400 or greater, the crime becomes a “wobbler” that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

When charged as a misdemeanor, the potential penalties include up to 1 year in county jail a maximum fine of up to $1,000 or $5,000 if the defendant has a prior vandalism conviction, and informal probation. Felony penalties include up to 3 years in jail, a maximum fine of $10,000, or summary probation.

Resisting arrest is covered under California Penal Code 148 PC and is described as willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing police or emergency medical technicians who are performing their official duties.

Violations of penal code 148 PC are considered misdemeanors, and the potential penalties include up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. A judge may also sentence a defendant to informal probation in lieu of jail time at their discretion.