Encinitas Councilmember Luke Shaffer made headlines during a packed arraignment hearing where he pleaded not guilty to charges filed against him by the District Attorney’s office last month.
The charges include one count of felony assault and two misdemeanor counts: hit-and-run driving and willful omission to perform a duty related to his role as a public official.
The courtroom was filled with supporters, including family, friends, and Encinitas residents who voiced their belief that the charges were baseless and politically motivated.
Deputy District Attorney Chandelle Boyce provided details on the incident from July 5, which revolved around a dispute related to trash bins.
Although the altercation was captured on video, Boyce mentioned that not all the dialogue between Shaffer and the victim, Declan Caulfield, was audible. The video footage, however, has not yet been made public.
On the incident day, Caulfield was at his home doing work with his son and hired mason workers when he placed his trash bins on the street for trash day. Shaffer arrived in his truck, purportedly looking for a parking spot to head to the beach.
Allegedly, Shaffer exited his truck and began moving Caulfield’s trash bins to create a parking space. When Caulfield approached and indicated it was trash day, Shaffer insisted that it was not and stated he was a councilmember. Boyce confirmed that July 5 actually was trash day, following a holiday.
As Caulfield attempted to return his trash bins to their rightful place, Shaffer allegedly knocked one from his hands and threw a piece of Styrofoam in his face.
Afterward, Shaffer reportedly got back into his truck, reversed approximately 15 feet, and hit one of Caulfield’s recycle bins with his right rear tire, pushing Caulfield’s outstretched palms and knocking him back several feet.
Witnessing the altercation, one of the mason workers shouted at Shaffer, asking what he was doing. In response, Shaffer allegedly threatened to call Sheriff’s deputies that he works with.
Shaffer then exited his truck and removed the crushed recycle bin from beneath his vehicle, reportedly stating that Caulfield would never receive a permit again from the City of Encinitas.
Caulfield managed to capture a photograph of Shaffer during this act, along with Shaffer’s license plate number.
Following the arraignment, Judge Valerie Summers issued a modified criminal protective order, preventing Shaffer from approaching within 100 yards of Caulfield’s home, workplace, vehicle, and his son’s school.
A readiness hearing is scheduled for October 22, followed by a preliminary hearing in November, as Boyce stated, “Our focus is on making sure we’re doing our job correctly and ethically.”
Boyce emphasized that charges are only filed when evidence supports them beyond a reasonable doubt.
In contrast, Shaffer’s defense attorney Isaac Blumberg strongly defended him, asserting that Shaffer categorically denies the allegations. Blumberg described the situation as an overreach by the District Attorney’s office and expressed disbelief that they would pursue aggravated charges in this case.
Blumberg highlighted Shaffer’s military service and noted that he has no prior criminal record.
“I remain shocked that the District Attorney’s office filed criminal charges in this case and then elevated those to a felony as opposed to a misdemeanor,” he commented post-arraignment.
Blumberg branded the incident as a mere parking dispute instigated by Caulfield, who was trying to reserve a spot outside his home. He defended that they had yet to view additional evidence apart from the video.
Responding to claims that Shaffer threatened Caulfield regarding permits, Blumberg maintained that he did not hear such statements on the video.
Should Shaffer be convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison on the felony charge. The hit-and-run offense could lead to a fine or up to six months of jail time, while the omission charge carries a maximum one-year sentence.
Notably, under state law, a mere criminal charge does not automatically disqualify an elected councilmember from serving in office. A conviction would need to revolve around specific crimes concerning bribery for the official to lose their position.
Thus, despite the pending charges, Shaffer can retain his seat unless he resigns or a recall election is initiated.
Shaffer recently won the Encinitas District 1 City Council seat in November 2024, which adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
image source from：patch
