CHP ASKS FOR FELONY CHARGES IN BOTTLE THROWING: DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO REVIEW CASE OF 2 TEEN BOYS SUSPECTED IN 8 ROAD ATTACKS

The CHP is seeking felony charges against two Sebastopol teens suspected of throwing water bottles at moving vehicles in February.

The two boys, 15 and 16, could face three felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury, CHP spokesman Officer Jon Sloat said Tuesday.

A CHP officer recently completed his investigation into the incidents, which involved eight confirmed cases of bottle throwing during a two-week period.

The plastic bottles were lobbed at two school buses, a city bus and five other vehicles. Most of the incidents occurred in the west county.

The case was being given this week to the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office for review for possible charges.

The boys, known to be friends, are students at Analy High School.

During those February weeks, drivers began contacting law enforcement about someone in a white pickup throwing a full bottle at their vehicles. One bus driver got glass into an eye when a bottle shattered her windshield. No children were aboard the buses at the time they were struck, the CHP said.

In one incident, a bottle was thrown at a stopped Santa Rosa city bus. "We have that one on video," Sloat said.

The case against the two included a "preponderance of evidence" including witness information, surveillance video, cellphone and school records, Sloat said.

Both boys are suspected of having thrown the water bottles, which were filled with liquid.

The 16-year-old, who was driving, had gotten his driver's license just a few weeks prior to the incidents. New teen drivers are restricted from carrying teenage passengers.

Publicity about the unusual crime generated numerous tips. The bottle throwing ended Feb. 22 when the CHP released photos showing a white Toyota Tacoma believed to be involved in the attacks. The truck's owner contacted officers through a lawyer.

Neither the truck owner, who is the father of one of the boys, nor the teens cooperated with the investigation, Sloat said.