Attempted murder and robbery charges have been filed against the man Lompoc police say attacked and tried to strangle a doctor outside Lompoc Valley Medical Center earlier this week.
Long Lu was arraigned on the charges, which include two enhancements, Friday morning. He did not enter a plea.
The hearing was continued to March 12.
Police say the 36-year-old came up behind a doctor Tuesday morning and placed a rope around his neck, pulling him to the ground. They say Lu held the rope until the victim passed out, then stole the doctor’s personal property and left the area.
Another doctor who was arriving at the hospital at about the same time says he followed Lu to a nearby Circle K and relayed his location to police. Lu was later arrested.
He remained in custody Friday afternoon at Santa Barbara County Jail in lieu of more than $1 million bail.
The doctor was treated at the hospital for his injuries.
