By Shari Kaplan
The 17-year-old Monte Sereno youth accused of intentionally driving his car into a Los Gatos police officer remains in custody at Juvenile Hall, awaiting his Aug. 1 court date.
The juvenile division of the District Attorney's office has charged the teenager, whose name is being withheld by police because he is a minor, with the felony charge of assault on a peace officer likely to cause great bodily harm.
According to LGPD Sgt. Tricia Friedrich, police have suggested to the Juvenile Probation Department that the youth be tried as an adult because he will turn 18 in a few months and has committed a crime of great magnitude. This may be decided on Aug. 1, when the suspect and his attorney will appear at the county Juvenile Court.
Officer Matt Frisby had originally responded to a Los Gatos residence on June 22 around 11 p.m. to take a report of threatening phone calls. While there, several teenagers began throwing rocks and full beer cans at the house. He then left the house to confront the teenagers, according to police reports.
Police said the youth drove his car into Frisby after Frisby had walked to the car and requested its occupants remain where they were. The officer was thrown over the hood of the car and landed on the ground, severely injuring his knee.
After arresting the youth, Frisby was taken to Community Hospital of Los Gatos for treatment, while backup officers cited three other teenage males and three females on various charges, including violating the town's curfew, vandalism and evading a police officer.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, July 24, 1996.
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