People v. Long CA3

BACKGROUND

In February 2014 police officers were sent to a commercial plumbing business to investigate a burglary. The officers learned that a work truck, along with numerous tools

1 including a pressure washer and drain snake, were stolen from the business. While interviewing the victim, the officers learned the truck had been located. Near the recovered truck, officers spoke to a witness who indicated that he saw defendant David Eugene Long park the stolen truck and walk to a nearby apartment. Officers arrested defendant as he was attempting to flee. The victim later identified defendant as a past employee who knew where the truck was stored and where the spare key could be found. The People subsequently charged defendant in Butte County Superior Court case No. CM040282 (case No. 282) with vehicle theft with two prior car thefts (Veh. Code, § 10851, subd. (a); Pen. Code, § 666.5), one count of felony receipt of stolen property (Pen. Code, § 496, subd. (a)), and one count of misdemeanor receipt of stolen property (Pen. Code, § 496, subd. (a)). The People also alleged that defendant had served two prior prison terms. On March 29, 2014, law enforcement was sent to investigate a…