Olivehurst pickup owner could face assault charges

An Olivehurst man who shot a suspected thief last month outside his home could face assault charges.

Ernest Badman stole a can of Sprite and some tools from Loren Sniffen's pickup on Nov. 29, according to the Yuba County Sheriff's Department.

Sniffen, 38, shot Badman with a 12-gauge shotgun, deputies said.

"It's not up to us to decide if the shooting was justified, it's up to the district attorney," Undersheriff Jerry Read said on Tuesday.

Deputies are seeking a petty theft charge against Badman and charge of assault with a deadly weapon against Sniffen. Deputies plan to submit their case today. Sniffen told investigators that he thought Badman was armed outside the home when he fired multiple rounds around 10:30 p.m.

No weapons have been recovered other than Sniffen's shotgun, investigators said.

Badman, a 26-year-old Linda resident, fled. He was picked up a short time later when he checked himself into Rideout Regional Medical Center, deputies said.

His injuries were not life-threatening and he was treated and released.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, Read said.

Badman pleaded no contest on Oct. 17 to vehicle theft in an unrelated case. His sentencing hearing was continued on Tuesday. He is due back in court on Dec. 21 in that case, according to court records.

Badman remains in custody without bail in that case, according to booking records.

The Sheriff's Department first submitted its case Dec. 1, but prosecutors asked for additional investigation, according to Mechele Cook, deputy Yuba County district attorney.

Prosecutors will take another look at the case, but there is no timetable for deciding whether they will file charges against either man.

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.