San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announces that John F. Sandoval, 63, of Stockton, was sentenced to 25 years to life by Judge Lauren Thomasson for a series of violent crimes.

Sandoval was convicted of the following offenses:

1.    Assault with a deadly weapon (§245(a)(1))

2.    Attempted criminal threats (§664/§422(a))

3.    Attempting to dissuade a witness (§136.1(b)(1))

4.    Harm or interference with a police animal (§600(a))

5.    Felon in possession of ammunition (§30305(a)(1))

6.    Brandishing a weapon to resist arrest (§417.8)

The charges stem from a June 17, 2020 incident, when Sandoval and his estranged wife were involved in a heated argument while parked at a slough. During the confrontation, Sandoval swung a hatchet at the victim, threatened her life, and attempted to dissuade her from reporting the incident to law enforcement.

Upon the arrival of officers, Sandoval initiated a standoff, brandishing a knife and refusing to comply with commands. During the confrontation, a police K9 was deployed to subdue Sandoval. The defendant responded by stabbing the K9. Thankfully, the K9 survived the attack.

"This case is a powerful reminder of the real dangers our law enforcement officers face every day,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “John Sandoval’s actions were brutally violent, but justice was served thanks to the bravery of our officers and the resilience of the K9. This sentence makes it clear: we will hold violent offenders accountable and do whatever it takes to protect our community.”

The Stockton Police Department thoroughly investigated the case. Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Crampton prosecuted the case, and Deputy District Attorney Scott Porter handled the sentencing phase.