San Diego, November 25, 2025
William John Hanley, a 54-year-old man from San Diego, has been sentenced to two years in state prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest during an incident at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library. The event unfolded when Hanley entered the library, vandalized property, and brandished a weapon resembling an axe. His actions prompted a law enforcement response, culminating in his injury from police gunfire. This sentencing highlights ongoing safety concerns in the community regarding public disturbances involving weapons.
San Diego Man Sentenced to Two Years for Library Incident
San Diego, California – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in state prison after pleading guilty to charges related to an incident at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library in May 2025. The man, identified as William John Hanley, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. He agreed to the two-year sentence as part of a plea deal.
Incident Details
On May 8, 2025, Hanley entered the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, causing a disturbance by vandalizing property and wielding a weapon resembling an axe. Witnesses reported the situation, prompting a response from the San Diego Police Department. Officers confronted Hanley outside the library, where he failed to comply with commands to drop the weapon. In response, Officer Dominic Bloemendaal fired multiple rounds, striking Hanley. He was immediately provided medical aid and transported to a local hospital, where he was expected to survive.
Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Hanley was charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. He pleaded guilty to these charges, leading to his sentencing to two years in state prison.
Background Context
The Pacific Beach/Taylor Library incident is part of a series of public disturbances in San Diego. In 2023, Martin Alvarez was sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison for fatally stabbing Michael Wagley in a public restroom along the Pacific Beach boardwalk. Additionally, in 2025, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang was sentenced to 21 years to life in state prison for a racially motivated attack in Ocean Beach. These incidents highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the San Diego area.
Related Incidents
- 2019 Stabbing Outside Pacific Beach 7-Eleven: In 2023, Desmond Alejandro Williams was sentenced to seven years in state prison for the fatal stabbing of Sean Paul Snellman outside a convenience store in Pacific Beach.
- 2001 Pacific Beach Sex Assault: In 2025, John House was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint in a Pacific Beach alley nearly 25 years prior.
Conclusion
The sentencing of William John Hanley underscores the legal consequences of public disturbances involving weapons in San Diego. The community continues to address public safety concerns through legal actions and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges did William John Hanley plead guilty to?
William John Hanley pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and resisting an executive officer.
What was the outcome of the incident at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library?
During the incident, Hanley was confronted by police officers outside the library. He failed to comply with commands to drop the weapon, leading Officer Dominic Bloemendaal to fire multiple rounds, striking Hanley. He was provided medical aid and transported to a local hospital, where he was expected to survive.
What is the background of the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library incident?
On May 8, 2025, Hanley entered the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, causing a disturbance by vandalizing property and wielding a weapon resembling an axe. Witnesses reported the situation, prompting a response from the San Diego Police Department.
What other incidents have occurred in San Diego involving public disturbances?
In 2023, Martin Alvarez was sentenced to 16 years to life in state prison for fatally stabbing Michael Wagley in a public restroom along the Pacific Beach boardwalk. In 2025, a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang was sentenced to 21 years to life in state prison for a racially motivated attack in Ocean Beach.
What is the current status of public safety in San Diego?
The community continues to address public safety concerns through legal actions and community engagement, as evidenced by the recent sentencing of individuals involved in public disturbances.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | May 8, 2025 |
| Location | Pacific Beach/Taylor Library, San Diego, California |
| Suspect’s Name | William John Hanley |
| Age of Suspect | 54 |
| Charges | Assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, resisting an executive officer |
| Sentence | Two years in state prison |
| Officer Involved | Dominic Bloemendaal |
| Weapon Used | Resembling an axe |
| Outcome | Suspect survived, received medical aid, and was transported to a local hospital |
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