Redlands man gets prison time for leading Laguna Beach police on pursuit that involved a shooting

NEWPORT BEACH — A 55-year-old man pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for leading Laguna Beach police on a pursuit that prompted a non-injury officer-involved shooting.
Richard Lyle Lewis of Redlands pleaded guilty to a theft with a prior felony conviction for car theft and leading police on a chase, both felonies. A felony charge of assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor count of driving without a license were dropped.
Richard Lyle Lewis, 55, of Redlands, was arrested on suspicion of stealing a vehicle. He is also a parolee who has violated his parole terms, Laguna Beach police said. File photo
Just before 5 p.m., July 2, police were called about a stolen vehicle on Coast Highway and attempted to stop the suspect in the 100 block of Thalia Street, which dead-ends, according to Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jim Cota.
As the officers attempted to stop the suspect in the cul-de-sac, he made a U-turn and sped in the direction of the officers who had gotten out of their vehicles, Cota said. That prompted the officer-involved shooting, Cota said.
Police gave chase again and the suspect jumped out and attempted to run away in the 600 block of Cuprien Way, but he was later taken into custody, Cota said.
The car was reported stolen from Palm Springs.
The officer who fired the weapon is an 18-year veteran, Cota said.
Source: Oc Register