Skip to main content

Man sentenced for attempting to kill fireman in South Monterey County


Image result for generic sentenced

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, April 29 that on Friday, April 26 Judge Pamela Butler sentenced 26-year-old Jacob Thomas Kirkendall of Santa Cruz to 14 years of felony probation with the first year of which he'll serve in a locked mental health facility for attempting to shoot and kill a fireman in December of 2017 in South Monterey County. Kirkendall’s status in the locked facility will remain subject to periodic review by Judge Butler with input from the medical professionals at the facility and Monterey County Probation.

On the evening of December 11 of 2017, Kirkendall recklessly drove his red truck around Peter Harris on Nacimiento-Ferguson Road. Harris was driving home in his U.S. Department of Forestry Ford Explorer. As a Division Fire Chief, he had just completed his shift working the Ventana fire near Big Sur.

Immediately after driving past him, Kirkendall parked his truck diagonally across the road, blocking the entire roadway. This left Harris no room to drive around Kirkendall’s truck. Kirkendall quickly exited his truck and retrieved a shotgun. Harris started to make a three-point turn when Kirkendall aimed at him and fired. Several pellets from the buckshot hit Harris in the back of his head, neck, shoulder, and back and lodged under his skin. Despite this, Harris managed to turn his Explorer around, drive in the opposite direction, and warn oncoming vehicles about Kirkendall.

Kirkendall led Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers on a high-speed chase that ended on Fort Hunter-Liggett.

On February 13, 2019, Kirkendall pled guilty to two strikes: (1) assault with a firearm, with a personal use of a firearm enhancement - a violent strike; and (2) assault with a deadly weapon. If Kirkendall violates the terms and conditions of his probation, he could be sentenced to state prison for a term of up to 14 years and eight months. Kirkendall also pled guilty to delaying or obstructing a police officer.

In 2009, when Kirkendall was 17 years old, he survived electrocution by fallen, live power lines at Rio del Mar Beach in Santa Cruz County. He tried to put out an electrical fire by throwing water on the flames, but inadvertently electrocuted himself. He spent nearly 100 days in a coma and suffered brain damage. Additionally, he suffers from a diagnosed mental illness.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau.   Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass.   CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered.  The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time.   The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

  The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds.   Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot.  The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time.  Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit