VIDEO: Shaffer incident released, but clarity is elusive

San Diego Superior Court releases footage of July 5 parking dispute involving Encinitas Councilman Luke Shaffer; preliminary hearing set for Nov. 13

Defense attorney Issac Blumberg, left, and Encinitas City Councilman Luke Shaffer appear in court on Sept. 9 for Shaffer’s arraignment over a felony assault charge. Courtesy San Diego Union-Tribune

VISTA — The San Diego Superior Court released the video today of the July 5 incident involving Encinitas City Councilman Luke Shaffer, who faces one felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a parking dispute.

The video, which had been subject to public records requests, shows Shaffer moving trash bins and interacting with resident Declan Caulfield, but offers limited audio and visual clarity on the alleged felony assault.

Shaffer and resident Declan Caulfield argued over a parking spot on 5^th Street on and it is alleged that Shaffer struck Caulfield with his truck, threw Styrofoam at Caulfield’s face, crushed a trash can with the truck and threatened Caulfield’s construction permits.

“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 last week. “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.”

Shaffer was charged with felony assault and two misdemeanors — hit and run and omission to perform duty. He pled not guilty during his arraignment on Sept. 9 but was also ordered to stay 100 yards away from Caulfield and his son at their home, work and school. Shaffer’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13.