Crime & Safety

Mueller Pleads Not Guilty to Events Leading Up to Shooting

The motorcyclist shot by an Orange County Sheriff Deputy contends he didn't try to evade police, or do anything else for that matter.

The man who was shot on a Robinson Ranch cul-de-sac in Rancho Santa Margarita by an Orange County Sheriff Deputy contends that he didn't try to evade the officer.

Dennis Mitchell Mueller, 20, of RSM, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge of evading police while driving recklessly.

He also pleaded not guilty to resisting and obstructing an officer, and driving on a suspended license, both of which are misdemeanor offenses.

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Mueller was released from the hospital this week and . He was shot, at least once in the lower abdomen, by .

According to police, motorcycle officer Cruz spotted Mueller driving his Kawasaki at a high rate of speed on Santa Margarita Parkway near Alma Aldea. Cruz lost sight of Mueller, but recognized Mueller from previous contact; the motorcycle has some distinct Monster Energy Drink logos.

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Cruz went to the area that Mueller lives, on Meadow Park Lane. Shortly after contacting Mueller, with his gun drawn, Cruz shot Mueller. Not yet released are the number of times Cruz discharged his weapon, but witnesses say it was multiple times.

According to police, Cruz ordered Mueller to not move, and the man instead advanced on Cruz and or toward his waistband; that evidence was corroborated by witnesses.

"Until we've had a chance to look at all the evidence we're unable to comment exactly on how the shooting went down or if it's related in any way to the felony evading,'' said Mueller's attorney, Brent Romney. "The question is, is there a tie-in between the two? It's a remarkable coincidence if it isn't.''

The Orange County District Attorney's Office is investigating the shooting, which is standard procedure for officer involved shootings. It contends that Mueller was traveling more than 100 mph and ran red lights in an attempt to shake Cruz.

Mueller was being held in Orange County jail without bail because of a probation violation, Romney said. Mueller is scheduled to return to court April 24 for a pretrial hearing.

Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is asked to contact D.A. investigator Ron Seman at 714-347-8814.

—City News Service contributed to this report.


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