Court to release video in Encinitas councilman’s assault case
Video tied to July 5 parking dispute involving Councilman Luke Shaffer expected to be released soon; preliminary hearing set for Nov. 13
VISTA — A San Diego County Superior Court judge on Wednesday ordered the release of a video showing the alleged felony assault involving Encinitas City Councilman Luke Shaffer.
The video, tied to a July 5 parking dispute, is expected to be released in the coming days, according to a court spokesperson. Shaffer has pleaded not guilty to one felony count and two misdemeanors stemming from the incident.
The incident, first reported by Voice of San Diego on Aug. 28, has sparked intense public debate in Encinitas, with critics calling for Shaffer’s resignation or recall. The video, which has been the subject of multiple public records requests, is expected to clarify key moments of the confrontation.
The court also confirmed Nov. 13 as the date for the preliminary hearing, although it could change. Shaffer was charged with felony assault and two misdemeanors — hit and run and omission to perform duty.
“A video of the incident has now been filed with the court and is part of the public record,” Shaffer’s attorney, Issac Blumberg said in a statement. “It speaks for itself. The footage shows exactly what we’ve said from the start: this was a minor parking dispute, not a violent criminal act.”
Blumberg said the July 5 incident was a misunderstanding over a public parking space as Caulfield placed the trash cans in a public parking space to reserve it for his construction crew. When Shaffer moved the cans and then backed in to park, Caulfield attempted to push the cans back into the space, resulting in one bin being hit, Blumberg said.
On Sept. 10, Shaffer publicly addressed the situation during a City Council meeting. He has maintained his innocence and vowed to fight the charges to clear his name.
“As everyone here is aware, charges have been filed against me,” Shaffer said on Sept. 10. “I do not believe these charges are warranted, and I am not guilty of the accusations that have been presented to the public. While I look forward to the truth coming out over the course of the legal process, I wanted to be clear that false accusations will not distract me or deter me from the vital work that the people of Encinitas elected me to do. I am here to serve the city of Encinitas.”
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office charged Shaffer with the alleged crimes after a parking dispute with Decland Caulfield near Caulfield’s home on 5th Street.
The online discourse and sources reported a video of the incident existed, with critics of Shaffer immediately demanding his resignation from the council or his recall. Some even said the video will prove Shaffer’s guilt, although it’s unclear if those individuals have seen the video.
Deputy District Attorney Chandelle Boyce successfully argued for the video to be withheld from the public in a public protection order, which was approved by Judge Valerie Summers on Sept. 9.
Since then, multiple media outlets have sent requests to the court. Both Blumberg and Boyce did not object to its release, although Boyce and Caulfield asked the judge to blur several faces of workers and Caulfield’s son, according to Boyce’s filing.
Judge Daniel Segura said a portion of the video is “not all that relevant.” The court is also likely to secure a translator for the preliminary hearing, as at least one witness may need those services, Boyce said.
When asked what the video details, Boyce directed her comments to the statement she gave during the arraignment.
“At the arraignment … I went over the facts,” she added. “We did not discuss that today.”
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