Crime & Safety
Guilty Verdict for San Bruno Fire 'Gawker'
The Millbrae man was accused of assaulting a police officer and leading authorities on a high-speed freeway chase in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 9 pipeline explosion.
A Millbrae man who was suspiciously lurking around a police perimeter set up in the aftermath of the San Bruno fire and then led police on a high-speed chase on his motorcycle was found guilty of all charges Wednesday.
After a six-day trial and several hours of delibration, a jury convicted Paul Anthony Lee, 35, of evading a police officer, felony battery on an officer and felony assault on an officer with a deadly weapon. Lee had also been on probation for attempted kidnapping and possession of a controlled substance.
Lee facesup to 19 years and 8 months in state prison. He is expected to appear in court on Nov. 19 for a pre-sentencing report.
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In the early morning hours of Sept. 10, Lee was riding a motorcycle with a female passenger when he was confronted by San Bruno police amid suspicious circumstances on a perimeter police established to prevent looters. He fled the scene when police demanded that he produce identification.
During the chase, police said Lee reached speeds in excess of 90 mph on Highway 101 before surrendering in San Carlos near the Whipple Avenue exit.
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Police also said he ran over an officer's foot at the start of a pursuit.
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