Man who swung axe in Pacific Beach library pleads guilty
SAN DIEGO – A man who brought an axe into a Pacific Beach library pleaded guilty on October 21 to exhibiting a weapon in a threatening manner.
No one in the library was injured, but people were badly frightened.
William John Hanley, 54, also admitted to personal use of a weapon when he entered the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library on Cass Street on the afternoon of May 8 and began chopping up books, tables, and chairs.
He has agreed to accept a two-year sentence in state prison, said Deputy District Attorney Shane Waller. Hanley may also be ordered to pay restitution to the library for books and furniture he damaged.
A San Diego Police officer shot and wounded Hanley in the 4300 block of Dawes Street in after he left the library, but he refused to drop the axe. The weapon was recovered on a sidewalk after police shot him multiple times.
The other charges Hanley faced included assault on a police officer, felony vandalism, and exhibiting an axe to a police officer, and an employee of the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library was dismissed after he pleaded guilty to exhibiting a weapon dangerously.
He also struck at computers and power cords. People moved out of his way during the incident. No person was hit by the axe.
Hanley remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility without bail. San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring set sentencing for November 19.
The Pacific Beach/Taylor library branch opened in 1997 and is named after Earl and Birdie Taylor following a generous donation from the Taylor family, library supporters, and early real estate developers in Pacific Beach, according to its website.
It is within walking distance of the beach. It was designed by architect Manuel Oncina. A grand piano is inside.
Source – Indonesia News
