An L.A. County Superior Court judge ordered another mental evaluation hearing for a man accused of assaulting a deputy, finding that “restoring the defendant to mental competence is in the interest of justice.”
Judge Martha Matthews found in July that Matthew Wagner, 33, of Torrance, was not mentally competent to assist in his defense after a July report from a court-approved physician.
However, at an Aug. 20 hearing, Wagner was ordered for additional evaluation at the Twin Towers jail facility in Downtown Los Angeles while he awaits a hearing date.
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a 911 call in the parking lot of the Golden Valley Trader Joe’s in Canyon Country on June 3.
The informant reported erratic driving behavior, according to station officials.
When they attempted a traffic stop on Wagner, he allegedly attempted to hit the deputies and then fled the parking lot, according to reports from the time of the incident.
The pursuit lasted minutes before it ended less than 3 miles from the intersection of Honey Maple Street and Beech Willow Lane.
Deputies then pulled Wagner from the car without further incident, according to officials.
Wagner has pleaded not guilty to three charges: assault upon a peace officer or firefighter; fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly; and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer, peace officer or emergency medical technician.
“It is further alleged as to count(s) 1 and 2 that the defendant(s), Matthew David Wagner, engaged in violent conduct in committing the above offense(s) that indicates a serious danger to society, with the meaning of California Rules of Court Rule 4.421(b)(1),” according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday.
He pleaded not guilty in June.
A new hearing is scheduled to review Wagner’s competency on Wednesday.
The laws surrounding a defendant’s mental competency, which were updated Jan. 1, 2024, are found in Penal Code section 1370, which states a judge decides whether restoring the person to mental competence is in the interests of justice.
If the defendant is deemed incompetent, the trial, the hearing on the alleged violation, or the judgment, shall be suspended, until the defendant is deemed capable to assist in their own defense.
