Office of the District Attorney - Maggie Fleming, District Attorney
NEWS RELEASE
May 12, 2020
On May 11, 2020, Judge Christopher Wilson sentenced 29-year-old Clayton Lasinski to 11 years in prison for assault with a firearm, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a weapon at a peace officer, and resisting a peace officer with threat or force.
This case occurred on December 6th, 2016, when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer attempted to stop Lasinski as he drove in Eureka without wearing a seat belt. Lasinski fled a short distance to a local hotel, where he exited his vehicle and continued to flee on foot. In an effort to aid the CHP officer, two employees of the hotel attempted to stop Lasinski. In response, Lasinski pulled a firearm and pointed it at one of the workers. Officers from the Eureka Police Department (EPD) learned of the situation through radio communications and began pursuit. Lasinski then stole a vehicle and pointed his firearm at an EPD officer, who then fired at Lasinski. As Lasinski continued to evade officers he nearly struck another officer with the car he was driving and when that car broke down he attempted to take another vehicle by assaulting the driver. The pursuit continued until a bullet wound incapacitated Lasinski. He was taken into custody and received medical treatment.
Due to the serious and violent nature of Lasinski’s crimes he will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence. Three of the felonies qualify as strikes under California’s "Three Strikes" law; these would increase the sentences for any future felonies Lasinski might commit.
Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm prosecuted the case. The defendant was represented by Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner. The need for evaluation of Lasinski’s competency and the need for handling of his case by multiple defense attorneys delayed its conclusion. He has been in custody since committing the crimes.