Architect Faces Misdemeanor Charges after Traffic Stop Turns Violent
Photo: Paul W. Powers
PLEASANTON— A prominent architect is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly assaulting an Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The suspect and deputy both suffered minor injuries during a traffic stop that turned violent.
Paul W. Powers, 58, CEO and president of Pleasanton-based KPA Group architectural firm, was pulled over on March 12. It seems the alert deputy observed Powers driving in a reckless manner.
Powers was stopped at 6:10 a.m. on Foothill Boulevard, near Castlewood Country Club. Violence erupted after he was instructed to step outside of his SUV.
After Powers got out, he allegedly began making verbal threats and next assaulted the deputy. The two men struggled until Powers was wrestled to the ground, and he was subsequently arrested.
During their brief struggle the deputy suffered a strained hand, and Powers also suffered minor injuries. Powers received medical treatment at a hospital.
Powers was later transported to Santa Rita Jail, where he was booked for battery on a police officer. However, he was subsequently released on $30,000 bond.
Apparently, Powers claimed he was stressed out due to recent financial losses stemming from the stock market downturn.
Notwithstanding, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office proceeded to file two misdemeanor charges against Powers on March 16. Powers presently faces charges for resisting an officer and evading an officer.
