Man accused of assault on Northern California mayor could face one year in jail

(F0X40.COM) — A homeless man who is accused of assaulting a Northern California mayor and councilman could spend a year in county jail if convicted.

On Aug. 22, 36-year-old Derek Hopkins was arrested and booked into the Yuba County Jail after he allegedly “sucker-punched” Marysville mayor Chris Branscum and attacked Marysville councilman Dom Belza. Branscum and Belza were with a group of city officials at the intersection of 5th and D Streets in Downtown Marysville, waiting to discuss with Congressman Doug LaMalfa the issues surrounding the destroyed Hotel Marysville , according to the Yuba County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA said Hopkins was walking by the group when he suddenly punched Mayor Branscum in the back and ran. Councilman Belza saw the assault and chased Hopkins. Hopkins stopped, turned around and punched the councilman in the face. Belza reportedly tackled Hopkins to the ground and held him there until Marysville Chief of Police Chris Sachs arrived.

Hopkins was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery but pleaded “no contest,” according to the DA. He faces up to the maximum punishment of six months in county jail for each battery.

“I am so thankful to live in a community where we look out for one another,” said Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry. “Derek Hopkins is going to be held responsible for the senseless assault he committed on Mayor Branscum because Dom Belza chose to be an upstander rather than a bystander. He deserves all of our thanks.”

Hopkins is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 30.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.