The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has declined to press charges against Malibu City Councilman Skylar Peak over allegations that he threatened a security guard at Point Dume Village in July.
Det. Tom Lewis of the Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department compiled a report of the investigation and submitted the findings to the D.A.’s office. He said the D.A. decided not to pursue the case in September because of “insufficient evidence to proceed.”
Peak had been under investigation since July 11, when Point Dume Village security guards alleged Peak ran through the parking lot in a Speedo swimsuit and threatened them with a scissor blade after they confronted him for yelling and tossing chairs in the shopping center’s patio area.
The 28-year-old councilman was taken into police custody later that night and spent five days at a county hospital while undergoing an involuntary psychological evaluation.
Peak has since disclosed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in May.
In a telephone interview Tuesday, he expressed relief in knowing that the case was closed.
“I’m definitely glad to put it behind me and be moving forward,” Peak said.
Shawn Nowrooz, whose company, State Organizations, Inc., provides security at the shopping center, said the district attorney’s decision not to pursue charges did not mean Peak was innocent.
“It’s very clear on what occurred, we have everything in the [security guards’] reports,” Nowrooz said.
He added that the security guard whom Peak allegedly threatened had asked and received a transfer from working at Point Dume Plaza.
“He was uncomfortable working at that site,” Nowrooz said.
The ongoing investigation had clouded Peak’s attempt to become mayor pro tem at an Aug. 29 City Council meeting.
Traditionally, the council member who receives the most votes in the City Council race is next in line to serve as mayor pro tem. Peak received more than 1,400 votes in April, well ahead of the second place finisher, Councilman John Sibert.
At the August meeting, Mayor Lou La Monte said he was worried about having the right person represent Malibu and not letting an elected city official be “what some late-night comedian thinks is a punchline.” Councilwoman Laura Rosenthal stressed the importance of Peak’s mental health if he wants to serve in the high-profile job. Councilwoman Joan House urged the need for “steadiness we can rely on,” while Councilman John Sibert insisted on allowing the highest votegetter to take on the job, despite whatever controversy may be surrounding Peak.
“I think my leadership skills are more than proven,” Peak said that night.
Ultimately, House was appointed mayor pro tem in a 3-2 vote.
Peak did not say whether he plans on asking the City Council to revisit the mayor pro tem decision now that his case is closed.
“We might do that,” Peak said. “We’ll see.”
Rosenthal said the closing of the case could play a role in convincing her to revisit her position should Peak ask the council to reconsider him for mayor pro tem before House’s nine-month term ends.
“I always try to look at the totality of everything when I make decisions about things. Certainly it would be a part of my thinking,” she said.
Rosenthal has not spoken with Peak about the investigation ending, but said the situation being remedied signals a chance to move forward.
“I would be relieved for anyone if they were able to resolve legal issues without it getting worse,” Rosenthal said.
Sibert said the end of the investigation will hopefully help Peak and the City of Malibu turn over a new leaf.
“I’ve known Skylar for many years and knew his parents and I’m glad that this is behind him and it’s behind the city. We shouldn’t have to deal with these kinds of things as a city,” Sibert said. “That’s not in the jurisdiction of the city, it’s in the jurisdiction of the law.”
Email the author at melissa@malibutimes.com