The Valley Chronicle - Hemet man sentenced to 7 years in state prison

[caption id="attachment_951" align="alignright" width="265"] Photo courtesy of Hemet Police Department
Cody James Barnett pled guilty to several felonies related to an April 6, 2016 incident in Hemet. He was accused of attempting to ram a police car.[/caption] ■ By Halima Haider / Reporter Cody James Barnett pleaded guilty last month to assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading, and committing a felony within five years of parole. On Wednesday, Jan. 11, the 30-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in state prison. Barnett was arrested on April 6 after attempting to flee from the police in a stolen car without a license place. Court records identified him as a convicted felon from Hemet with prior convictions for auto theft, receiving stolen property, felony evading and possession of illegal drugs. He pled guilty to committing a felony while on probation, assault with a deadly weapon, reckless driving while evading police, receiving stolen property, and being a felon in possession of a gun and ammunition.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, Cody James Barnett was sentenced to seven years in state prison. He will not be eligible for parole until 2023." – Hemet Police Department

According to a police statement, Barnett attempted to ram a police car during the chase, missing when the officer steered clear in time. Hemet-San Jacinto Gang Task Force tried to stop him near Cawston Street and Esplanade Avenue for driving without a license plate, but, to no avail at first. Barnett proceeded to speed –– punching the car’s accelerator and racing to 90 mph over a 10-mile stretch –– in his attempt to flee, police officials say. He was eventually caught when a sheriff’s helicopter crew was called to the scene and helped track him down in the 300 block of Kimball Ave. It was later confirmed that the car was stolen, belonging to someone in Murrieta. No injuries were reported. In exchange for his admissions, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office dropped a charge of receiving stolen property. Barnett will not be eligible for parole until 2023.