Stevens hearing date set

Competency hearing date set for man accused of shooting Willowick police officer

A competency hearing is scheduled for May 25 in the case of a Richmond Heights man accused of shooting a Willowick police officer in October, according to court records.

Sam Stevens Jr.’s attorney in April filed a motion requesting a competency evaluation, writing that he “has a good faith belief that because of defendant’s present mental condition, defendant may be incapable of presently assisting in his defense.”

Stevens, 59, was indicted by a Lake County grand jury on 14 counts stemming from the Oct. 2 incident. He is facing two counts of attempted aggravated murder and two counts of attempted murder, all first-degree felonies.

Sam Stevens Jr.’s attorney in April filed a motion requesting a competency evaluation, writing that he “has a good faith belief that because of defendant’s present mental condition, defendant may be incapable of presently assisting in his defense.”

He is also facing two counts of first-degree felony felonious assault, second-degree felony discharge of a firearm on or near prohibited premises, third-degree felony failure to comply with order or signal of a police officer fourth-degree felony resisting arrest, two counts of fourth-degree felony improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, and fourth-degree felony carrying concealed weapons.

Additionally he faces misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of two; and using weapons while intoxicated.

The shooting occurred following a complaint of erratic driving on Vine Street. According to Willowick police, Stevens’ vehicle was located and followed by both Willowick and Eastlake officers. After observing the vehicle, officers activated their emergency lights and sirens.

Stevens allegedly continued through the intersection of Bayridge Boulevard and Willowick Drive, where another vehicle was traveling. Stevens’ vehicle allegedly struck the other, causing it to overturn. The assisting Eastlake officer remained on scene and handled that incident, according to police.

Stevens allegedly continued in his vehicle at speeds reaching 75 mph. He eventually stopped on Daniel Drive in the city. Willowick officers “immediately began issuing verbal commands to the suspect,” according to the department.

Stevens allegedly failed to follow those commands and reached down and grabbed what officers identified as a handgun. He allegedly raised the gun and began firing at the officer.

Willowick police officers Ben Bruno and Mark Guerrieri, returned fire at the suspect, striking him, according to police.

A bullet struck Bruno in the chest, into his body armor, according to the department. He was taken to Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights for an evaluation and later released.

Stevens was taken to Lake Health West Medical Center in Willoughby before being taken by medical helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

He was initially charged with first-degree felony attempted murder in Willoughby Municipal Court March 3, just hours after he was released from a medical treatment facility. Stevens is currently being held in the Lake County Jail without bond, according to court records.

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge John P. O’Donnell in April granted Assistant Lake County Public Defender James C. Mathews motion for a competency evaluation. O’Donnell appointed the Lake County court psychologist to evaluate Stevens, according to court records.

The results of that evaluation will be presented during the May 25 hearing in O’Donnell’s court.

Stevens is being held in the Lake County Jail in lieu of a $2 million bond with a 10 percent option, according to jail records.

Stevens