Bail was increased on Jan. 8 from $50,000 to $200,000 for an alleged hit and run driver who is accused of striking three people on Sports Arena Boulevard outside Pechanga Arena.
“I wanted to get my bail reduced,” objected Marc Stephen Wohlfeil, 54.
Wohlfeil, wearing jail clothing, spoke from the custody module inside the courtroom.
Deputy District Attorney George Modlin asked for the increase, saying three people were struck Jan. 3. Wohlfeil was arrested later that night on Shelter Island.
Modlin told San Diego Superior Court Judge Joseph Brannigan that a 55-year-old woman was knocked unconscious and her 54-year-husband was also injured. He said a 60-year-old woman suffered a fractured left ankle.
The pedestrians were crossing Sports Arena Boulevard at 9:35 p.m. in the Midway District when they were struck by a Ford Mustang.
When Wohlfeil heard the prosecutor said there was reckless driving, he spoke up and said: “I don’t think I was driving recklessly.”
Wohlfeil’s attorney and the judge told Wohlfeil not to say anything further as it could affect his case later.
Wohlfeil pleaded not guilty to two counts of hit and run involving reckless driving. A preliminary hearing was set for Jan. 22.