SANTA ANA : Suspect in Threatening of Deputy Enters Plea

A parolee, who faces felony charges that could land him in prison for life under the state’s “three strikes” law, pleaded not guilty Friday to allegations that he held a gun in the face of a sheriff’s deputy and threatened to kill her.

James Jay Hunt, 41, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon a peace officer and robbery, burglary and illegal possession of a firearm. He is being held without bail at the Orange County Jail.

The confrontation with the deputy unfolded April 24 when neighbors in the 2200 block of Redlands Drive in Santa Ana Heights called sheriff’s deputies to report a man had been slumped for more than two hours over the steering wheel of a dark green car with the engine running, according to deputies.

When the deputy arrived, the driver pointed a revolver in her face and told her he would shoot her in the head if she tried to stop him from getting away.

The gunman shot the front tires of the deputy’s patrol car and fled, investigators said. Less than an hour later, police allege he broke into a Newport Beach home and robbed a resident of jewelry and her white Ford Mustang.

Hunt, who was wanted at the time for a parole violation, was arrested four days later after police found him living in a Westminster motel. At least 20 officers surrounded the motel before he surrendered.

Hunt, who had lived in Orange County in the past, was paroled in December after serving time for vehicle theft, burglary and receiving stolen property, according to the California Department of Corrections records.

Deputies said he previously spent time in prison for armed robbery, assaults, narcotics violations, burglary and possession of stolen property.

If he is convicted on the latest charges, he will be eligible for a term of 25 years to life under the “three strikes” law, because he has at least two prior felony convictions.