Tustin man faces trial for attempted murder and for assaulting a cop

Orange County District Attorney

Press Release, For Immediate Release: January 9, 2014

Case # 12CF1106: MAN FACES TRIAL FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ASSAULTING POLICE OFFICER WITH A KNIFE

FULLERTON – A man who was resisting arrest faces trial today for the attempted murder of a police officer by assaulting him with a knife. Carlos Alberto Leon, 30, Tustin, is charged with one felony count of attempted murder of a peace officer, one felony count of mayhem, one felony count of aggravated assault on a peace officer, and two felony counts of deterring an executive officer, with sentencing enhancements for causing great bodily injury and the personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life with the possibility of parole in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin this morning, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014, in Department N-13, North Justice Center, Fullerton.

On the night of April 12, 2012, Leon’s brother arrived at their Tustin residence and Leon is accused of becoming confrontational and threatening to kill his brother. Leon’s brother called the Tustin Police Department (TPD) to report the threat.

TPD Officers Nguyen and Rogue arrived at the residence and spoke with the brother in an outside guest parking area. From outside the home, the officers could hear yelling inside the residence and feared that someone inside was in danger and needed assistance. When the officers entered the home to render aid, Leon is accused of becoming confrontational with the officers, resisting, and being uncooperative while holding a fishing pole.

The officers struggled with Leon and deployed a Taser, but Leon is accused of not responding and instead grabbing Officer Nguyen’s knife. He is accused of threatening to kill the officers and slashing Officer Nguyen’s face, neck, and arm.

Leon is accused of continuing to resist, even after being handcuffed, and it required multiple back-up officers to subdue him. The yelling the officers originally heard from outside the home was later determined to be Leon.

Deputy District Attorney Andrew Katz of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486