NORTHSTATE, Calif. — New details have emerged about Jeffrey Dean Bembry, who was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after allegedly pointing an assault rifle at a trooper during a traffic stop for speeding. Bembry is scheduled to return to court next month to review the results of a mental competency evaluation.
The incident occurred on May 6 when a CHP trooper pulled over Bembry for driving 83 miles per hour north on Interstate 5 near Mountain Gate. According to the police report, Bembry exited his vehicle and pointed a semi-automatic Bushmaster XM-15 assault rifle at the trooper while advancing toward him. The trooper reversed and called for backup, prompting Bembry to retreat to his vehicle and flee south on I-5.
A pursuit ensued, with several troopers and officers chasing Bembry to Oasis Road, where he was stopped and taken into custody. Bembry faces six charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm upon an officer, exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer, and fleeing a pursuing officer while driving recklessly.
An investigation into Bembry’s past revealed minimal criminal history, mostly consisting of minor traffic infractions. His earliest offense was running a red light in Oregon in 2006, his next two were in Shasta County for failing to have registration for his vehicle in 2015 and 2016. His final most recent before his arrest on May 6 was a DUI arrest for driving under the influence of drugs in Shastina. The Siskiyou District Attorney’s office said they are still reviewing charges related to the DUI.
Further inquiries uncovered that Bembry is a veteran, having served in the Marine Corps from December 18, 2006, to December 17, 2011. This may explain his familiarity with the weapon, which is illegal in California. Due to privacy laws, additional details about his service and discharge status are unavailable without permission from Bembry or his family…