PORTERVILLE, CA — A Tulare County jury has found James Edward Jackson, 70, guilty of felony use of tear gas and two counts of obstructing a peace officer following an incident at a Starbucks in Visalia. The verdict was announced on January 16, 2025, in Department 6 of the Tulare County Superior Court.
The charges stem from an incident on July 12, 2024, when Jackson entered a Starbucks on Mooney Boulevard and became agitated while ordering a sandwich. Witnesses reported that he paced back and forth before demanding employees prepare his order more quickly. Without warning, Jackson discharged a large amount of pepper spray, affecting both employees and customers. Those exposed to the spray experienced immediate respiratory distress, including uncontrollable coughing, eye and skin irritation, and other lingering effects.
Responding officers and fire personnel found Jackson outside the store still in possession of the pepper spray. A search revealed two additional cans in his possession. During his arrest and subsequent booking, Jackson was combative and delayed both police and medical personnel for several hours.
Jackson, who has a prior strike from 2001 for assault, faces up to six years in state prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2025.
