Man charged with attempted murder in beating of sheriff’s deputy

A Bell Gardens man who is accused of kicking and punching a sheriff’s deputy in the head has been charged with attempted murder, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Frankie Estrada, 21, pleaded not guilty Tuesday on charges of attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and misdemeanor battery, in connection with a Friday incident at the Lakewood Mall.

According to a Sheriff’s Department news release, two deputies were called to the mall about 8 p.m. to investigate a call of domestic violence. While one deputy talked to the victim, the other found Estrada.

While the deputy walked Estrada toward his partner, Estrada “unexpectedly turned on the deputy and hit him several times, knocking the deputy to the ground and continued his assault” by kicking him in the head, the statement said.

Estrada allegedly shoved away a bystander who tried to intervene. He eventually was subdued by other deputies and booked for attempted murder on a peace officer.

The injured deputy was expected to survive.

“He’s progressing well but has a long way to go,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Eric Lindblom. “He’s in stable condition.”

Estrada was being held in lieu of $1 million bail and faces life in prison if he is convicted of all charges. His next court date is scheduled for Sept. 4 in Norwalk.

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