People v. Gough CA4/1

BACKGROUND

In September 1995, San Diego County Sheriff's detectives saw Gough walking on

a median in violation of traffic laws, running across heavily travelled intersections and

leaning into the driver's windows of two cars. When Gough leaned into the second car,

one of the detectives saw that he was holding a shock absorber. The detective identified

himself and told Gough he needed to talk to him. Gough ran away. During the ensuing

chase, Gough turned, revealing a nine-inch steak knife in his hand, then continued to run,

ignoring the detective's orders to stop. Other law enforcement officers joined the pursuit.

Gough then obeyed an order to drop the knife, but refused commands to get on the

ground.

DISCUSSION

Appointed appellate counsel has filed a brief summarizing the facts and

proceedings below. Counsel presents no argument for reversal, but asks this court to

review the record for error as mandated by People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436

(Wende). Pursuant to Anders v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 738 (Anders), counsel

2 mentions as possible, but not arguable, issues: (1) whether the court abused its discretion

by denying Gough's petition for…