Encinitas Councilmember Faces Assault, Hit-and-Run, and Threat Charges
ENCINITAS, Calif. - Encinitas Councilmember Luke Shaffer is facing criminal charges including a felony assault and two misdemeanors, teh San Diego County District Attorney’s office announced today.
According to court documents, shaffer is accused of assault through force likely to produce great bodily injury, and also involvement in a hit-and-run collision. the complaint further alleges Shaffer “willfully made unlawful threats of retaliatory action against members of the public,including threats to deny or obstruct lawful permits or other lawful entitlements.”
NBC 7 reached out to Shaffer for comment and is awaiting a response.
The charges have prompted reaction from Encinitas residents. “Disappointing to hear something like that from an elected official but also, with anything that involves the courts and legal matters, you have to believe in due process,” said Zach Preobrazhensky, an Encinitas resident in Shaffer’s district.
“I’m just kind of surprised, which I bet a lot of people around here probably are,” added Gary Doherer, also a District 1 resident.
Another resident, Mary Griffy, stated, “If it is substantiated, you know, he should face consequences and consider resigning because that’s not what a leader should be doing.”
Marcos Gonzalez, attorney for the alleged victim, released a statement to NBC 7, saying, in part, “My clients were shocked and appalled that a sitting councilman would behave in such a dangerous and immature manner… They believe he must be held accountable for his behavior and that he is not fit to continue serving in office.”
NBC 7 also attempted to reach Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz for comment, but was unsuccessful.
Shaffer’s arraignment is scheduled for September 9th. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to five-and-a-half years in prison, according to the District Attorney’s office.