Trucker Acquitted in Highway Shooting Case
A San Fernando Superior Court jury Wednesday acquitted a Newhall man of attempted murder and other felonies in a roadway shooting involving a California Highway Patrol officer.
Margarito C. Leyva, 27, was convicted, however, of possession of a firearm in a vehicle and possession of a concealed weapon. He faces a maximum sentence of six months in County Jail when sentenced March 2, said Public Defender James M. Coady.
The Aug. 22 incident was one of more than 30 roadway shootings in Southern California last summer.
CHP Officer Charles Cooper testified that he was parked on the shoulder of Sierra Highway near San Fernando Road when shots were fired at him from a passing pickup truck.
Leyva testified that he had fired five bullets in the air to celebrate his favorite song being played on the radio and to test his new .25-caliber handgun.
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