A Clearlake Oaks man suspected of attacking and robbing a man he encountered near his property — and marijuana garden — was in custody Friday, Lake County sheriff's officials said.
Authorities arrested James Kinyon, 49, Thursday after linking him to the Sept. 21 assault on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, terrorist threats, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and the willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner, Lt. Steve Brooks said.
A man told authorities he encountered Kinyon at about 2 p.m. after the ATV he was riding broke down near the border of his friend's and Kinyon's properties on Round Mountain Road, Brooks said.
The man said Kinyon pointed a gun at him, ordered him to the ground and after another man joined them, carrying two guns, beat him, according to Brooks. Kinyon took his jacket and wallet and ordered him to run, shooting at him as he fled, Brooks said.
Two days later, Kinyon apparently admitted to the attack, telling detectives he was protecting his marijuana garden and handing over the man's property, Brooks said. He was arrested Thursday when authorities searched his property, seizing weapons and ammunition and finding 208 marijuana plants and several pounds of processed pot, Brooks said.
They also arrested Kinyon's wife, Cindy Laudero, 56, and his employee, Luther Hill, 34, on suspicion of marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale and being armed in the commission of a felony, Brooks said.
Kinyon admitted he hired armed people to guard his garden, according to Brooks. Hill had three loaded guns at the time of his arrest, he said.
A marijuana cultivation case against Kinyon has been sent to the Lake County District Attorney's Office for consideration.
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