Trial set in DUI, standoff at Sharkey's

A trial was set for March 17 for a 54-year-old California man who pleaded not guilty to felony drunk driving charges stemming from a 45-minute standoff with deputies.

John Hansen, of Clearlake, Calif., pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a third charge of driving under the influence stemming from the Oct. 15 incident near Sharkey's Casino in Gardnerville.

District Judge Dave Gamble reduced Hansen's bail to $5,000 cash or $50,000 bondable.

Hansen has been in Douglas County Jail since his arrest.

Gamble set a hearing for Dec. 8 to confirm Hansen has hired counsel.

The suspect appeared Tuesday with lawyer Derrick Lopez who said his client said if he got out of jail, he could access $300,000 in savings and a $5,000-a-month pension.

Gamble ordered Hansen to abstain from alcohol and driving while he is out of custody.

"I can do without the drinking," Hansen said.

"You better do without or this is the last time I do anything thinking about your benefit," Gamble said. "If you drink, you'll go back to jail."

According to the sheriff's office, Hansen was seen driving erratically and gesturing at other drivers.

He pulled into the alley behind Sharkey's and refused to open the door to his van.

After closing the highway, deputies forced the van open and took Hansen into custody.

Hansen was arrested for driving under the influence with multiple prior offenses.

Hansen was arrested again Oct. 18 after he bailed out of jail in connection with the standoff.

He reportedly went to a garage sale on Mackland Avenue and refused to leave. He was charged with trespassing.

On Wednesday, East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl reduced Hansen's bail to $500 cash on the trespass charge to which the suspect has pleaded not guilty.

EnEarl vacated a Dec. 10 trial date, and told Hansen to return Jan. 6 for a pre-trial conference with his attorney.

EnEarl ordered Hansen not to drink or drive, and to have no contact with the alleged trespassing victim.

He ordered Hansen to clear up warrants from previous driving under the influence convictions in Washington.

"You indicate you have ample money you haven't been able to get to," EnEarl said. "If that's a money issue in Washington, take care of it before your next court date," EnEarl said.

He also told Hansen to keep taking his prescribed medication.

"You have some stability issues when you're not taking your medication," EnEarl said. "Do the things you're supposed to do. If you drive a motor vehicle and I find out, I will bring you back in handcuffs."