San Rafael man pleads guilty in gun case
A San Rafael man has pleaded guilty in a case involving a loaded gun and a police chase into San Francisco.
Jechivon Anay Cifuentes Diaz, 22, was arrested in February after an incident in Terra Linda. Police said he and his brother Jovardo Esmar Cifuentes Diaz, 18, assaulted the father of a juvenile they harassed at the Safeway.
The suspects left the shopping center, but San Rafael police spotted them downtown and initiated a pursuit. It ended in San Francisco after the suspects’ vehicle had an engine failure. In addition to the brothers, police arrested a 15-year-old suspect who had a backpack containing guns.
During a preliminary hearing in March, Judge Kelly Simmons ruled there was insufficient evidence to try Jechivon Cifuentes Diaz on an assault charge. However, she said there was sufficient evidence to support other charges.
On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to recklessly fleeing police and illegally possessing a loaded firearm. Under his plea agreement, he faces a 360-day jail sentence and probation.
His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 11.
“He understands that he made a mistake and he’s looking forward to leading a law-abiding life in the future,” defense attorney Robin Brennan said.
Jovardo Cifuentes Diaz has pleaded not guilty in the case. He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 19 to set a trial date.