A mental competency hearing was set for Sept. 20 for a man who was shot by police after allegedly pointing a rifle at officers near his ex-girlfriend’s home in Paradise Hills on Feb. 14.
Martin Lee Girdner, 54, remains in jail without bail and psychologists will evaluate whether he is mentally fit to understand court proceedings. A judge delayed the hearing on Aug. 21 to get more information on Sept. 20.
Girdner is charged with four counts of assaulting San Diego Police officers by pointing a firearm at them and two counts of discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. He has pleaded not guilty.
His attorney said he doubts his ability to understand court hearings and so criminal proceedings were suspended by a San Diego Superior Court judge on June 25, which was the day of his preliminary hearing. That hearing has not yet been held.
Girdner was wounded in the torso by police and he was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery to remove a bullet. He was arraigned in his hospital room on Feb. 26 by a judge and his mother was present, according to court records.
Girdner’s ex-girlfriend called police at 1 p.m. to say she had left her house after Girdner showed up. Her neighbors called 911 after several shots were fired. A SWAT team responded and the Paradise Hills Elementary School was locked down. Neighbors were also evacuated.
Girdner allegedly fired at officers and three officers shot back. After he was wounded, he surrendered.
