Meridian fire chief pleads not guilty to charge connected with neighbor dispute

Meridian’s fire chief made his first appearance in Sutter County Superior Court Monday.

Jason S. Cooper, 43, pleaded not guilty to one felony charge of “threatening to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury.”

He was charged by the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office last week in connection to an ongoing dispute with a neighbor that came to a head

FELONY ARRESTS

26, of the 700 block of Wilkie Way, Yuba City, was arrested by the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office at 10:27 p.m. March 2 on Highway 70 at North Beale Road on suspicion of obstructing or resisting an executive officer. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.

49, of the 100 block of Kristin Drive, Wheatland, was arrested by the Wheatland Police Department at 2:08 p.m. March 2 at his residence on suspicion of elder abuse. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.

Benjamin M. Jackson, 26, of the 900 block of 14th Street, Marysville, was arrested by the Marysville Police Department at 1:59 p.m. March 2 on suspicion of obstructing or resisting an executive officer. He was booked into Yuba County Jail.

Thomas B. Glasser, 34, of Dec. 11 after Cooper allegedly threatened to shoot a neighbor and puppies he had on his property, and threatened to burn his house down, according to Appeal-democrat archives.

Cooper had told deputies he noticed seven to nine puppies outside the alleged victim’s home that didn’t appear to have been cared for. He called Animal Care Services, who said they couldn’t respond because it was after hours, but told Cooper he could collect the puppies and take them to the shelter, he told deputies. As he went to collect the puppies, the victim came outside and a verbal altercation began, police said.

Cooper was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery for an alleged incident two days prior. While driving his fire department truck, Cooper allegedly pulled up alongside the same neigh-

bor, who was riding his bicycle on Meridian Road, and began to yell and spit at him, according to the sheriff’s office. A deputy provided the victim with a citizen’s arrest form because the deputy had not been there to witness the altercation.

Cooper told deputies the man had several paint and gas cans outside his home and went over to investigate the suspected