Attorneys for an Elk Grove man accused of attempted murder Monday in San Fernando for a collision in which he allegedly hit an LAPD motorcycle officer questioned their client’s mental competency to stand trial.
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The suspect, Philip Newlyn, 28, was in court to plead Monday to attempted murder charges, after officers claimed he knowingly struck an LAPD motorcycle several times and then fled the scene. The officer was not seriously injured during the rush-hour morning time collision.
However, the suspect’s case was referred to Department 95, where a suspect’s mental competency is determined.
Newlyn was arrested in San Diego, according to CHP officers. He was then transported to the custody of San Bernardino-area CHP officers around Thursday at 12:50 a.m.
He’s being held in lieu of $1 million bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
Officers said they were confident based on preliminary reports that the assault was deliberate.
From a previous story: CHP Arrest Suspect In Hit And Run With Motorcycle Cop
“We have no doubt this was an intentional act,” said CHP Capt. Edward Krusey during a news conference. “The officer was in full uniform on an LAPD motorcycle. It should have been extremely obvious to the person. Obviously, the suspect is outstanding, so we don’t know what his train of thought was at the time of the incident.”
The 28-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department was on duty in route to work, said Alfonso Lopez, an LAPD captain and commanding officer of the Central Traffic Division for the department.
The officer was able to maintain his position on the motorcycle and was able to make it over to the shoulder and stop, according to Lopez.
“He allowed his training to react and he performed adequately,” said Lopez
The officer has been riding a motorcycle for 12 years and LAPD motorcycle officers go through extensive training, Lopez noted.
The scene occurred from Parker Road and Hasley Canyon Road, covering multiple lanes, said Krusey.
The officer was taken to the hospital for non-threatening injuries and has already been released, said Krusey.
The officers urged that if anyone had witnessed anything from the scene or had cameras active used to monitor traffic collisions to review the footage and report any information to 661-294-5540.