VENTURA : Suspect in Chase Pleads Not Guilty

A 41-year-old Ventura man accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase through Ventura County pleaded not guilty Thursday to one felony count of evading a police officer.

In marked contrast to a court appearance last week during which he refused to talk to his lawyers, Mark Humphreys chatted with court-appointed attorney Douglas Daily before the arraignment. Last week, the defendant’s refusal to speak to his attorneys resulted in a one-week delay in entering a plea.

Bob Dahlstedt, the deputy public defender who will represent Humphreys, said he visited the defendant in jail.

“He understands that we are here to help,” Dahlstedt said. “He is willing to cooperate with the defense.”

Authorities said Humphreys refused to pull over for a sheriff’s deputy last week while driving erratically at 80 m.p.h. on California 33. During the chase, authorities said, Humphreys’ car struck the back of a car stopped at the corner of Thompson Boulevard and Seaward Avenue in Ventura. The driver and her 8-month-old son did not require medical care.

Authorities said Humphreys’ 1972 Oldsmobile sedan continued through Ventura and down the Ventura Freeway into Hollywood.

Humphreys flashed peace signs to other motorists before he was stopped more than an hour later in Los Angeles, authorities said.

Dahlstedt said he had not yet read the police report and would comment on Humphreys’ defense later.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14.

Humphreys is being held in Ventura County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison.