Y.C. man faces charges after officer-involved shooting
Police now say four officers involved
A Sutter County judge on Monday set bail at $140,000 for Lionel Patterson, who allegedly held a handgun when he opened the front door of a Yuba City home to police officers just before they fatally shot the owner, Victoria Roger-Vasselin.
Patterson is facing two felony counts: assault with a firearm, and assault with a firearm on police officers when he should have known they were engaged in their duties. The first count carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, the second count eight years, Judge Brian Aronson told Patterson.
Officers fired numerous shots at Roger-Vasselin, who allegedly held a shotgun in the doorway, pointed it at officers and refused to put it down when ordered.
Aronson asked Patterson if he wants the Sutter County Probation Department to prepare a report that could recommend lower bail, or even that he be released on his own recognizance until his preliminary hearing.
“Yes, sir,” said Patterson, appearing by closed circuit TV from the Sutter County Jail.
Sitting in the courtroom, Patterson’s elderly mother burst into tears when he appeared on-screen in the bright yellow uniform of the jail’s maximum security unit.
The bail hearing will be held Wednesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Yuba City police said Monday a total of four officers have been placed on administrative leave after the Thursday night incident in the 700 block of Mariner Loop – the two officers who shot Roger-Vasselin and two others who dealt with Patterson just before she was shot.
A fifth officer – a reserve officer who was standing a distance away – is not on leave, said police spokeswoman Shawna Pavey.
U.S. Census officials called the Police Department at 9:04 p.m. to report that a shotgun had been brandished at a census taker earlier in the evening. After talking to the worker, officers went to home after 10 p.m.
Police Chief Rob Landon, who had not made a public statement since the incident, said Monday it would be inappropriate to comment before the investigation is complete. At that time, “we’d be more than glad” to comment, he said.
The Sutter County District Attorney’s Office is in charge of the investigation and has not said when it might be completed.
Roger-Vasselin’s son, Matt Biscotti, attended Monday’s court hearing.
“I’m gonna stay silent for now,” he said when it was over.
CONTACT Rob Young at 749-4710 or at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com
