Yesterday morning, Santa Ana Directed Patrol officers were conducting proactive enforcement along E. 1st Street when they attempted to contact a man sitting in a vehicle.
When the man saw the officers, he started his vehicle and drove toward one of them, striking the officer in the legs.
The officer was able to jump onto the hood of the suspect’s vehicle to avoid being run over, and a pursuit ensued as the suspect fled the parking lot at a high rate of speed.
Fortunately, a motor officer was in the area and located the vehicle fleeing northbound on the 5 Freeway, driving erratically.
The suspect eventually yielded in the City of Orange and was taken into custody by patrol officers.
Kenyata Deshon Harris (49) was arrested and booked at the Santa Ana Jail for multiple felony charges.
Here’s what Harris is likely facing under California law based on the reported facts:
Probable Charges:
- Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer (vehicle as weapon)
California Penal Code §245(c) – Felony punishable by 3, 4, or 5 years in state prison. - Felony reckless evading a peace officer
California Vehicle Code §2800.2 – Felony punishable by 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison, plus fines up to $10,000. - Assault on a peace officer causing injury (if injuries occurred)
Could add enhancements under Penal Code §243(c) or related statutes. - Resisting or obstructing an officer
Penal Code §148(a)(1) – Usually a misdemeanor, up to 1 year in county jail. - Possible additional charges:
- Hit-and-run (if property damage occurred)
- Reckless driving
- Any prior convictions could trigger California’s Three Strikes Law, increasing penalties.
Sentencing Considerations:
- These felonies can be sentenced consecutively (one after another) if the court finds they were separate acts of violence or had independent objectives. Consecutive sentences significantly increase total prison time.