A multi-convicted felon accused of intentionally running over and injuring a man near Lake Mathews was behind bars Monday.
Brian Charles Paul, 48, of Riverside was arrested last week following a three-month investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Paul is charged with assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily injury and probation violations.
He pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Friday before Superior Court Judge Gail O’Rane, who scheduled a preliminary hearing for Dec. 8 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
The hearing will determine whether there’s sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
Paul is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail at the Robert Presley Jail.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Matthew Bolle, on the afternoon of Aug. 9, the defendant and victim, whose identity was not disclosed, were involved in an unspecified dispute in the 22000 block of Gavilan Road, near Idaleona Road.
Bolle alleged that, during the confrontation, Paul threw his vehicle into gear and aimed straight for the man, hitting him.
The probationer then allegedly sped away, according to the sergeant.
The victim was taken to a Riverside hospital after witnesses called 911. He was treated for unspecified injuries, from which he has since recovered.
Paul was soon after identified as the alleged assailant, but deputies could not locate him until Nov. 18, when they happened to encounter him while conducting “an unrelated investigation” in the Lake Mathews area, according to Bolle.
The defendant was taken into custody without incident.
Court records noted that “while on probation, mandatory supervision … and parole, (Paul’s compliance) has been unsatisfactory.”
He has documented prior convictions for auto theft, domestic violence resulting in traumatic injuries to the victim, burglary, possession of controlled substances and receiving stolen property.
So why was he only given $2500 bail then? WEAK DA HESTRIN?