Local briefs

Two Sacramento men accused of brutally beating a 65-year-old San Bruno motel manager who asked them to quiet down the party in their room will stand trial on charges of attempted murder, aggravated mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon.

Vutoro Mualevu, 29, and Isei Tikoisuva, 21, have pleaded not guilty but were ordered to stand trial after a preliminary hearing with five prosecution witnesses. The pair return to court Sept. 5 for Superior Court arraignment and the setting of a trial date.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, the pair were partying with friends at the Regency Inn on San Bruno Avenue shortly after 4 a.m. March 29 when the night manager asked them to quiet down in response to complaints by other guests. One of the men reportedly smashed a beer bottle in the manager’s face and both stomped him as he lay on the ground. Other motel guests called police and the defendants were arrested nearby after fleeing.

The manager, whose name is being withheld, was rushed to the hospital with numerous bone fractures, a possible skull fracture and in critical condition.

Both Maulevu and Tikoisuva remain in custody on no-bail status.

Accused BB gun shooter pleads not guilty

A 52-year-old South San Francisco man accused of trying to shoot police with a BB gun after they responded to a 911 call from his home pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.

Raymond Deocareza was scheduled for trial Nov. 10 following a Sept. 22 pretrial conference.

South San Francisco police say Raymond Deocareza called 911 from his home on 117 Appian Way but did not respond to dispatchers’ questions. Police headed to Deocareza’s home, where a cell phone and an 8-inch knife were spotted outside the door. Deocareza then opened the door and made movements with his hand toward his waistband. He allegedly chased an officer who had attempted to take cover, removed a black BB gun from his waistband, pointed it at the officer and pulled the trigger.

Officers subdued Deocareza with a Taser gun and he reportedly later said he was despondent over financial difficulties.

Deocareza remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Sheriff, schools fight truancy

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with other local law enforcement agencies and schools to combat truancy.

Reducing truancy is key to keeping children from gangs and other delinquent activity, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

A total of five deputies are assigned to the schools in the unincorporated areas of the county. Deputy Mike Garcia is the full-time school resource officer at Woodside High School.

The officers contact the truant student’s parents and try to determine the reasons why the minor is not attended school. The truant students could face school discipline, a referral for intervention or a citation.

The program is in partnership with the Redwood City and Atherton police departments, the Sequoia Union High School District and the Probation Department.