Greenfield man sentenced to 30 years to life after intentionally running someone over
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Wednesday that Paulo Cesar Alcaraz Ortiz, age 27, of Greenfield, has been sentenced to 30 years and eight months to life.
Back on November 16, 2021, Ortiz allegedly stole a car from a friend's parent and after a police chase, he attempted to strike pedestrians in the car but missed, according to the DA's office. They say that he rammed into a police car before targeting a victim, Guadalupe Garcia, with the intent to kill him.
The DA's office says that it took multiple attempts to run over Garcia, who was fleeing through a field at the time of his death. Ortiz later admitted that he believed killing Garcia would either cause
the police to stop chasing him or cause them to kill him, according to the DA's office.
Ortiz has been convicted of First Degree Murder for intentionally running over Garcia, as well as Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer, Evading a Peace Officer Causing Death, Unlawfully Driving a Stolen Vehicle and Resisting an Executive Officer.
Monterey County Judge to rule if South County chase suspect is mentally competent to stand trial
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The suspect in deadly car chase in Soledad did not enter a plea on Monday. The defense attorney filed for "mental health doubt," where the judge will have to rule whether or not the suspect is mentally competent to stand trial for his actions. The hearing will take place on Dec. 8.
Paulo Cesar Alcaraz Ortiz made his first appearance in court on Thursday, Nov. 18, where Ortiz attempted to plead guilty in court. Ortiz's attorney, Alex Cardinale, formally pleaded not guilty, asking for more time to review the case. His arraignment was pushed to Monday.
The car chase from Greenfield to Soledad earlier this week ended with two injured police officials -- one of them was Soledad Police Chief Damon Wasson -- and killed a pedestrian.
Court documents filed this week also identified the Greenfield officer who was injured in the incident as Officer B. Solis.
Paulo Cesar Alcaraz Ortiz is expected to be charged with murder by the Monterey County District Attorney's office as a result of the incident. He's also accused of evading police and facing charges for injuring the officer and police chief.
According to the court, Ortiz had multiple traffic violations in the last three years. He's been in court for not wearing a seat belt and speeding.
In October he was accused of running a stop sign, but none of these violations were as severe as Tuesday's incident.
This story was updated on Nov. 22, 2021 at 4:05 p.m. to include the defense attorney's declaration in the recent court appearance.
CORRECTION Nov. 18 at 3:20 p.m.: Ortiz did have formal representation at the time he attempted to plead guilty.
The story was updated at Nov. 18, 2021 at 2:11 p.m. to include updates from the court appearance.
