Encinitas councilmember Luke Shaffer to stand trial on misdemeanor assault and hit-and-run charges after reversing into a resident during a parking dispute.

Encinitas City Councilmember Luke Shaffer, 45, will stand trial on misdemeanor assault and hit-and-run charges after a judge reduced the original felony charge due to the victim’s lack of significant injuries. The incident occurred in July during a parking dispute involving trash bins, with surveillance footage showing Shaffer reversing into the resident’s hands and bins. Prosecutors cited a threat—“If you stand there, I’m going to run you over”—though no audio exists. A separate charge of willful omission to perform duty was dismissed for lack of evidence. Shaffer, elected in November 2024, denies wrongdoing and plans to remain in office. A readiness hearing is set for December.