VISTA – A Camp Pendleton Marine accused of beating his 11-year-old son over a bad report card was ordered to stand trial on felony child abuse charges yesterday by a Superior Court judge.
Michael Anthony Walker, 29, of Vista also faces misdemeanor charges of spousal battery and resisting arrest, said prosecutor Steven Carver.
Walker's son testified his father beat him with a belt, including the buckle, and was injured on his head, back and legs. A Sheriff's deputy testified she saw the boy bleeding from his ear and had to use pepper spray on Walker before arresting him.
Deputy Public Defender Ron Vanesian asked Judge Aaron Katz to lower all the charges to misdemeanors, arguing his client has no criminal record, is an exemplary Marine and was “extremely remorseful.”
Judge Katz declined, saying Walker crossed the line from discipline to abuse. The judge did lower bail from from $50,000 to $35,000 for Walker, who is being held in Vista jail. – Jose Jimenez
Tip a Cop to benefit
Special Olympics
ESCONDIDO –
Police officers will raise money for the North County Special Olympics tonight by working as restaurant servers in the third annual Tip a Cop program.
Diners at Applebee's at 1216 Auto Park Way can be waited on by Escondido police officers from 5 to 9 p.m., with tips going to the Special Olympics.
The program's athletes will also greet guests.
– Kristina Davis
Palomar to honor
woodworking skills
SAN MARCOS –
About 50 woodworking students at Palomar College will be honored today at a recognition luncheon on campus. Some graduates will receive scholarships and awards.
About 350 projects created by students will be on display, including clocks, tables, cabinets and desks, said Russ Filbeck, a woodworking instructor.
Visitors are also invited to see a sawmill demonstration at 10:15 a.m. It will be at the Urban Forestry Milling Center on campus. Guest parking is available in Lot 12.
Food will be served at 11:30 a.m., and the student recognition program starts at noon in the garden area of the Trades & Industry building.
– Linda Lou
