People v. Smith CA4/1

I.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On the morning of November 27, 2018, around 9:00 a.m., Smith and the eventual victim, Horace Williams, were both traveling southbound on Sweetwater Road in Chula Vista toward the Willow Street bridge. Smith was driving a pickup truck, and Williams was driving a minivan. Because the bridge was under construction, there was only one lane of traffic in each direction over the bridge. As Williams and other motorists waited at a red traffic light before going over the bridge, Smith pulled into the opposing lane of traffic, speeding past the waiting vehicles. Smith drove through the intersection against a red light and crossed the bridge. Smith then got into the left turn lane at the next intersection, which was the intersection of Willow Street and Bonita Road. While Smith waited in the left turn lane for the traffic light to change, Williams pulled up to the right side of Smith’s truck, preparing to make a

Unless otherwise indicated, all further statutory references are to the Penal Code. 2 right turn onto Bonita Road. Witnesses saw Williams throw a paper object at the passenger side door area of Smith’s truck as he passed by, such as a…