A 53-year-old San Mateo man with seven prior felony drunk driving convictions will stand trial for driving and brandishing a gun while intoxicated.
Citing public safety concerns, a San Mateo County Superior Court judge Friday not only denied a motion to reduce Vernon Wayne Smith's bail but hiked it from $75,000 to $100,000. He remains in custody.
Smith faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon, driving under the influence and driving when a license has been suspended or revoked specifically for driving while addicted or under the influence.
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After an alcohol-fueled fracas Aug. 1, prosecutors say Smith drove home to get a shotgun then drove to the home of a man who had reportedly punched him. A friend wrestled the weapon from Smith; eventually neighbors called the police, who found a drunken Smith holding the shotgun, according to the prosecutor's notes. According to a police report, his blood alcohol was .15 percent. The legal limit is .08 percent.
Smith pleaded not guilty and will face a jury in April.