Not guilty plea entered for Ventura CHP officer arrested in off-duty shooting

A California Highway Patrol officer pleaded not guilty Friday to shooting his neighbor during an off-duty dispute last month.

The plea was entered as Trever Dalton, 45, made his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court in connection with the charge. Dalton, who works out of the CHP's Ventura office, faces one felony count of assault with a firearm and two special allegations for causing great bodily injury and for the use of a gun.

Ventura police said officers responded to a report of gunshots at 12:43 a.m. on Dec. 5 in the 2500 block of Bayshore Avenue. When they arrived they found a 49-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his back. The injury was not life-threatening, police said.

Dalton was first arrested in connection with the incident the day police responded but was released from Ventura County jail after the Ventura County District Attorney's Office failed to file charges within the required time.

Charges were filed against him Thursday, and he was subsequently arrested on the outstanding warrant, according to court records.

Following the arrest, CHP Lt. Clint Kneipe said Thursday that Dalton is still employed by the agency and when released from custody will be placed on administrative leave with pay. His status will be considered after the completion of the District Attorney's investigation and the patrol's own investigation, Kneipe said.

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Authorities allege that Dalton was involved in a dispute with his neighbor in the driveway of a residence on Bayshore Avenue. It is further alleged that after leaving the vicinity of the neighbor's home Dalton returned with a gun to confront him, according to prosecutors.

Dalton fired two gunshots at the victim, with one of the bullets striking his back, police said.

In court Friday, Senior Deputy District Attorney Richard Simon filed a criminal protective order against Dalton, barring him from having any contact with two neighbors involved in the case.

Simon also petitioned Judge Patricia Murphy to increase Dalton's bail from $80,000. The prosecutor sought to raise the amount to $130,000, which he said would then include the special gun allegation.

Dalton's defense attorney, David McDuffie, objected to the request.

Murphy denied the bail increase without prejudice, meaning Simon could again petition for the increase at the next court date.

Dalton was due back in court for an early disposition conference at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 30.