Opinion ID: 1605318
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: assignments of error number two, three, and four

Text: Defendant contends that the trial court erred in instructing the jury that aggravated battery was a responsive verdict to the charge of attempted first degree murder, arguing lack of evidence of the essential elements of aggravated battery. Aggravated battery is a statutory responsive verdict to a charge of attempted first degree murder. LSA-C.Cr.P. art. 814. However, if there is a total lack of evidence of any element of aggravated battery, the conviction must be reversed. State v. Dauzat, 392 So.2d 393 (La., 1980). The jury had to find that defendant intentionally used force or violence upon Charles Smith, employing a dangerous weapon. An essential element of a battery is physical contact. State v. Dauzat, supra. Defendant relies on the testimony of criminologist Ray Herd. In Herd's opinion, the Blazer was traveling approximately 35 miles per hour when it hit the patrol car. His reconstruction of the impact established that the Blazer struck the patrol car on the left rear and pushed it in a straight line to the right. Since the deputy was standing adjacent to the car on the left side at the moment of impact, it is argued that the path of the cars was away from Smith. Thus, defendant claims the physical evidence shows he did not intend a collision with Smith, and neither car actually hit Smith. When he drove his Blazer at Smith's car, with Smith close beside it, defendant must have realized that serious consequences were reasonably certain. His unsolicited statement to Nunez indicates he tried to run Smith down. General criminal intent, the intent required for aggravated battery, was present. LSA-R.S. 14:10(2); In re Glassberg, 230 La. 396, 88 So.2d 707 (1956); State v. Brumfield, 329 So.2d 181 (La., 1976). Defendant contends that Smith's injuries were caused by the altercation on the ground following the collision and this constituted, at most, simple battery. The pictures of the injuries indicate more force than would have been generated by a hand to hand struggle. Smith said the Blazer struck the car then struck me. (Tr. 166) The evidence establishes physical contact either between the deputy and the Blazer or between the deputy and the patrol car when it was struck by the Blazer. There is no question that an automobile can constitute a dangerous weapon if used in a manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm. A reasonable trier of fact could have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that the essential elements of an aggravated battery were proven. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 99 S.Ct. 2781, 61 L.Ed.2d 560 (1979). These assignments of error lack merit.