People v. Thompson CA5

INTRODUCTION

Appellant and defendant Michael Thomas Thompson pleaded no contest to felony resisting an officer (Pen. Code, § 69)1 and was sentenced to four years in prison consistent with a negotiated disposition. On appeal, his appellate counsel has filed a brief that summarizes the facts with citations to the record, raises no issues, and asks this court to independently review the record. (People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436.) We affirm.

FACTS2

On June 16, 2021, a driver heading eastbound on Adams Avenue near Highway 41 in Fresno County saw a fire on the eastside of Highway 41. The driver saw a man, later identified as defendant, walking eastbound. The driver also saw a small fire that was growing, about five to 10 feet behind defendant. The driver believed defendant was setting fires in the area, called 911, and gave the man’s description. A deputy responded to the area and saw defendant, who matched the description. Defendant was smoking a cigarette, and he walked away from the patrol car and went into a vineyard. The deputy was advised that defendant was by a store. When the deputy tried to approach him, defendant took a “ ‘bladed stance’ ” and then ran into the…