More questions than answers with arrested man yet to be charged

The Southern California man arrested over the weekend on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder will not face charges anytime in the near future.

Colusa County District Attorney John Poyner said he will not file formal charges against Charles P. Lathrop, 55, of Yucaipa, until he has a chance to reinterview the reported victim.

Poyner said there are more questions than answers right now.

Lathrop was arrested by the California Highway Patrol after he reportedly held a knife against the throat of his traveling companion Saturday night.

Lathrop had been found "passed out or asleep" on the floor of a disabled motor home on the side of northbound Interstate 5 about a mile south of Husted Road, CHP Sgt. Pete Montez said.

A CHP officer, traveling south, noticed the motor home. As he approached, he saw a woman sitting in the driver's seat, waving her arms in an attempt to get his attention, Montez said.

The 62-year-old La Quinta woman, whose name was withheld by the CHP, told the officer that her driving companion, identified as Lathrop, had held a knife to her throat, reportedly causing a small cut for which Montez believed she was treated at the scene.

Lathrop, according to Montez, was intoxicated.

The Williams police were called to assist on the arrest, which took place about 8:35 p.m.

Lathrop was booked into Colusa County Jail without bail on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm and on a drunken driving-related warrant.

He was still in the Colusa County Jail as of Tuesday morning.

Montez was not sure what the relationship was between Lathrop and the reported victim.

The motor home had been recently purchased by the woman.

Yucaipa is a city of about 52,000 people located in the San Bernardino mountains, 75 miles east of Los Angeles.