BANNING (CNS) – A felon accused of assaulting his girlfriend, then
leading Hemet police officers on a pursuit that ended with an officer firing a
shot at the suspect pleaded not guilty today to assault with a deadly weapon
and other charges.
Keiron Telefaro Helms, 46, of Hemet, was arrested Friday night
following the four-mile chase.
Along with the assault count, Helms is charged with domestic violence,
felony evading, possession of controlled substances and a sentence-
enhancing great bodily injury allegation.
The defendant was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court
Judge Mark Singerton, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for April 14
at the Banning Justice Center and ordered that Helms be held in lieu of
$240,000 bail at the nearby Smith Correctional Facility.
According to the Hemet Police Department, shortly before 9 p.m.
Friday, Helms was involved in a physical altercation with his unidentified
girlfriend at their residence in the 400 block of North Palm Avenue.
Witnesses called 911, and patrol officers reached the location minutes
later, at which point Helms allegedly got into his SUV and sped away,
police said.
Officers gave chase, pursuing the defendant westbound to the area of
California and Devonshire avenues, on the outskirts of the city, according to
the police department.
Helms allegedly drove toward patrol units, prompting an officer to
open fire, according to court papers.
“The suspect was not injured and was taken into custody without
incident,” according to a police statement.
No officers were injured.
The defendant’s girlfriend was treated at the scene, but police did
not specify whether she required hospitalization.
Personnel from the sheriff’s Force Investigation Detail were handling
the investigation into the police shooting.
According to court records, Helms has prior convictions for check
fraud, possession of controlled substances, burglary and spousal abuse.
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