An angry driver who rammed a parking enforcement official’s scooter in La Jolla after he got a parking ticket was sentenced July 28 to 90 days in a work furlough center for felony assault.
Peter Alex Dreier, 42, of Hillcrest, apologized to the victim for the April 19 incident when Dreier drove into the 3-wheeled scooter driven by Ray Bunband, knocking it over and sending him to Scripps La Jolla Hospital with minor injuries.
Dreier is an architect whose job qualified for work furlough in which he will be locked up at nights and weekends at a facility but will be able to go to work during the day on terms of three years probation. Dreier apologized to San Diego Police officer Ray Bunband who was in the courtroom audience along with Bunband’s supervisor and a co-worker.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Polly Shamoon ordered Dreier to perform 10 days of public service works, pay a $1,324 fine, and restricted his driver’s license. Dreier must pay $176 per month for probation supervision.
“I’m disgusted with myself for my lack of self-control. There’s…no ill will. I’m so sorry,” said Dreier.
“My anger was completely misdirected. My anger is completely under control now,” said Dreier, who explained he meets with a therapist to address this problem. “It has brought me a new level of peace.”
“You deserve far better than this. I wish I could make it up to you,” said Dreier. “I offer my sincere apology.”
Deputy District Attorney Michael Reilly said Dreier’s words in court were in “sharp contrast” to what happened at the scene in the 800 block of Prospect Street. After he struck the scooter, it crashed into a parked Honda, causing $1,800 damage to it, according to the probation report. “The defendant struck his vehicle, intentionally knocking him over,” said Reilly, who added that Dreier didn’t stop to render aid and drove off in his Saab. “The behavior in this case was extremely dangerous,” he added “I continue to be nervous,” said Bunband, who asked and received a restraining order against Dreier.
Bunband told the probation department he still has lower back pain that has not gone away despite physical therapy. He said the public only considers parking enforcement officers to be”nice,” but “only if we give a break to someone” and not write a citation. Dreier parked in a commercial loading zone around noon after he was unable to find a place to park while delivering some office supplies. When he returned, he crumpled up the $57.50 ticket and threw it at Bunband after exchanging words. Dreier pleaded guilty to felony assault and two counts of hit and run were dismissed. His attorney, Gregory Garrison, said he had no prior record and officials determined Dreier posed a low risk of re-offending. Garrison said Dreier would abide by probation conditions.
The maximum sentence was four years in prison, but the prosecutor agreed to a sentence of less than one year with probation conditions. Shamoon ordered him to report to the work furlough facility on Aug. 2. Dreier showed up with an attorney about an hour after the incident and surrendered to police. He posted $30,000 bond and Shamoon gave him credit for two days in jail. His Saab was found with moderate front end damage in the 7400 block of Draper Street. Alcohol was not a factor.