Man sentenced to state prison for attempting to murder police officer

Author: District Attorney
Date: 1/15/2025 3:30 PM

District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Charles Nelson Ammons (DOB 09/19/1974) has been sentenced to 12 years plus 15 years to life in state prison for premeditated attempted murder of a peace officer with a gun and resisting a peace officer by use of force.

---

Charles Nelson Ammons (50) has been sentenced to 12 years plus 15 years to life in state prison for  his conviction of premeditated attempted murder of a peace officer with a gun and resisting a peace officer by use of force.  Today’s sentence was imposed by the Honorable Crystal T. Seiler.
On April 15, 2022, Pismo Beach Police Corporal Chris Siglin was on uniformed motorcycle patrol when he attempted to stop Ammon’s van for making an illegal turn in the busy downtown corridor of Pismo Beach.

Ammons ignored lights and sirens, hand gestures, loudspeaker and verbal commands to pull over.  When Corporal Siglin pulled his motorcycle next to Ammons’ van and opened the driver side door, Ammons immediately and without warning pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the head of Corporal Siglin and pulled the trigger.  

Fortunately, the firearm did not fire a bullet because the bullets had been loaded backwards in the magazine of the gun. Corporal Siglin and Pismo Beach Police Officer Tyler Smith were able to wrestle Ammon to the ground. With the help of two off-duty Santa Maria Police Officers, who were enjoying a Pismo Beach afternoon, they took Ammons into custody.

Ammons was convicted of the crimes after a second jury trial. In the first trial, the jury convicted Ammons of (1) assault on a peace officer with a semi-automatic firearm, (1) possession of a non-registered loaded firearm in a vehicle, and (3) driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol level exceeding .20% while having two prior convictions for DUI.  In the previous trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the attempted murder and felony resisting charges, voting 11 to 1 for guilt.   The District Attorney elected to re-try Ammons on those charges resulting in this life sentence.  

At the second trial, the jury also found true several factors in aggravation. The factors include: (1) the crimes involved great violence, threat of great bodily harm, or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness; (2) the defendant used a weapon when he committed the crimes; (3) the victim officer was particularly vulnerable; and (4) the defendant engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society.

“Our community owes Officer Chris Siglin a debt of gratitude for his selfless service to our community,” said District Attorney Dan Dow.  “I am grateful that this defendant has received what is essentially a life sentence in prison today. Law enforcement professionals are our neighbors, friends, and family members who deserve our continual support and respect. When they have been victimized, they deserve justice."

Ammons is next in court on March 24, 2025 8:30 a.m. in Department 9 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court to determine the amount of restitution he owes for his crimes
This case was investigated by the Pismo Beach Police Department with the assistance of the Santa Maria Police Department, District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation Senior Investigator Herminio Rodriguez and was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Cameron Simoes assigned to the Crimes Against Peace Officers Prosecution Unit.  Victim Advocates Beth Raub and Jennifer Love assisted Corporal Siglin through the justice process.  

Here is a copy of the defendant's booking photo.  Here is a copy of the charging document.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth (805) 781-5819 with any questions.

###