Awaiting trial, S.F. judge releases armed Outer Sunset man shot at by SFPD

Dmitri Hochstatter, a 46-year-old Outer Sunset man, is set to be released before his trial after a San Francisco Superior Court judge determined he does not pose a public safety threat. Charged with felony assault and child endangerment for allegedly pointing a gun at a police drone, Hochstatter's defense attorney, Neil Hallinan, contests claims that he shot himself and asserts that he never fired the weapon. During his arraignment, two charges were dismissed, including discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Judge Geraldo Sandoval ordered Hochstatter to wear an alcohol monitor and check in bi-weekly with a case manager, given his high blood alcohol content at the time of arrest. Although neighbors raised concerns about his actions, the judge highlighted Hochstatter's clean record and lack of violent history.

Family letters to the court painted him as a loving father, despite a long-standing struggle with alcohol abuse. One neighbor expressed sadness over the separation between Hochstatter and his 10-year-old daughter. The case raises broader questions about public safety and the legal system's handling of individuals with substance abuse issues.