People v. Akerson CA3

BACKGROUND

This appeal arises out of two cases. In the first case, Butte County case No. 23CF02550, Akerson stole the victim’s truck and boat. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) located the truck and attempted to effectuate a traffic stop. A high-speed chase ensued. CHP ultimately ended its pursuit due to public safety concerns. Officers later found the stolen vehicle. The information charged Akerson with driving and taking a vehicle with a prior offense, grand theft, fleeing a police officer while driving recklessly, and driving against traffic while fleeing a police officer. (Pen. Code, §§ 666.5, 487, subd. (a); Veh. Code, §§ 2800.2, subd. (a), 2800.4.) It also alleged that Akerson had a prior conviction for a serious and/or violent felony. (Pen. Code, §§ 667, subds. (b)-(i), 1170.12, subd. (b).) In the second case, Butte County case No. 23CF02557, Akerson stole a glass company truck. The victim briefly left his keys inside the truck; Akerson got into it and drove away. When officers arrived at the truck’s location, Akerson and another man were taking tools from the truck and loading them into another car. The information charged Akerson with driving and taking a vehicle with…