A Nevada City man who allegedly fired shots in his disabled ex-wife’s home was scheduled to attend further divorce proceedings later this month, the ex-wife’s lawyer said Friday.

Dwight Richard DePue, 51, allegedly fired at the disabled woman’s three-wheeled motorcycle with a shotgun and vandalized her home on the 500 block of Brighton Street, in Grass Valley. He is in jail without bail on suspicion of attempted murder, terrorist threats, burglary, malicious mischief and obstructing a peace officer.

DePue drove his truck into his ex-wife’s detached garage and shot his 12-gauge shotgun into the fuel tank of the disability-assistive Harley-Davidson Trike motorcycle, according to Grass Valley police.

He also went inside the home and caused significant damage to other property, severely cutting his hand in the process, Grass Valley Police Sgt. Doug Hren said.

He also threw a wheelchair onto the front lawn, according to police logs.

DePue tried to flee when police arrived — alerted by calls from neighbors — but his truck became stuck after he backed over a wheelchair ramp and onto some metal poles in the front yard, Hren said.

DePue’s ex-wife was not at the home at the time of the incident.

According to police logs, the woman was forewarned by her lawyer, who asked not to be named.

DePue allegedly had been overheard saying he planned to “seek out” his ex-wife and her attorney, and that he “hopes the cops kill him tonight,” according to police logs. The lawyer called police at about 2:40 p.m. Thursday to report the threats.

The results of a toxicology report, available in several weeks, will reveal whether DePue was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged incident, Hren said.

DePue’s wife filed for dissolution of marriage in May 2000 and was granted divorce about a year ago, her attorney said.

However, a further court proceedings addressing the disbursement of community property — including a jointly-owned trucking company the couple established in 1994 — was set to begin May 14, according to court records and the lawyer.

Assistant District Attorney Jim Phillips is reviewing a report from the Grass Valley Police Department and has not yet filed charges against DePue, DA staff said Friday.
Because of the cut to DePue’s hand, he is being housed in the jail infirmary, jail staff reported.

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To contact Staff Writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail rmoormeister@theunion.com or call 477-4236.