"The bicycle did have Bernie Sanders stickers on it. While everyone has the right to their political beliefs, in this case, it would go to motive and who smashed the windows."

Setting of preliminary date and motion of return for property was heard this morning in GOP vandalism suspect Michael Valls case.

Valls is charged with second degree burglary, vandalism of the local GOP office and two counts of resisting/obstructing a police officer. 

Valls wants his bicycle back from Eureka Police Department that was seized as evidence when he was arrested. His attorney, Deputy Conflict Counsel April Van Dyke said it is Vall's only mode of transportation.

Today, Deputy District Attorney Tobias Hasler appeared for the People. " I briefly reviewed the defense motion. " Based on his review of the police report, Mr. Hasler said the bicycle was evidence referring to EPD Officer Ben Altic.

Mr. Hasler added, "The bicycle did have Bernie Sanders stickers on it. While everyone has the right to their political beliefs, in this case, it would go to motive and who smashed the windows."

"I doubt that the People would bring the bicycle into trial," said Ms.Van Dyke. They can take photos of it. There is also body worn camera."

"It is not upto the defense to tell us how to put on our case," said Mr. Hasler.

Ms. Van Dyke said given the COVID 19 situation, it is difficult to get the client to testify "the bike is in the same condition as seized." Judge Kaleb Cockrum disagreed and said it is possible.

Judge Cockrum denied the defense motion saying the bicycle was evidence in the crime as to Valls motive. "The door is open for counsel to work on some sort stipulation. I am not going to order that," he said.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6.

EPD press release stated, "On February 8, 2020, at about 4:50 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to the Humboldt Republican Headquarters at the 300 block of 5th Street for the report of a male breaking out windows.  A witness reported the male fled on a bicycle north towards the bay.  Officers located the male, later identified as Michael Valls (43 of Eureka), riding his bike near the foot of D Street.  Valls attempted to flee from officers but was ultimately taken into custody after a brief struggle.  Valls was found to be in possession of evidentiary items linking him to the vandalism on 5th Street.    Based on video surveillance, it appears Valls damaged a door, multiple windows, and poured an unknown substance on office equipment before fleeing on his bike.  "

Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/05/gop-vandalism-suspect-wants-his-bike.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/03/gop-vandalism-suspect-in-good-spirits.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/03/michael-anthony-valls-charged-with-4.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/02/michael-anthony-valls-arrested-for-gop.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/02/michael-anthony-valls-arrested-for-gop.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/02/humboldt-gop-vandalized-again.html?m=1