High-flying landowner who said he’d shoot beach ‘trespassers’ finally snared — as he blows up at judge

A Bay Area real estate investor has been arrested after allegedly spending more than six months dodging a warrant — before launching into a fiery confrontation with a judge during his first hearing.

Luke “Lucky Luke” Brugnara was escorted from a federal courtroom last week after repeatedly interrupting US Magistrate Judge Lisa Cisneros, who ordered he remain behind bars while his case moves forward.

The dramatic hearing came days after US Marshals arrested the 62-year-old at his home in San Francisco’s Sunset District.

Prosecutors say Brugnara attempted to evade authorities by climbing on to the roof of a neighboring church. Brugnara vehemently disputed that account in court.

“I never climbed on any church. The church roof is eight stories tall. OK, how can I go eight stories when it’s a one-story house? It’s a lie,” he told the judge.

He also insisted he had not known about the federal hearing that led to the warrant for his arrest.

“I was not notified by my attorney,” Brugnara said. “I’m legally required to notification by counsel of a court hearing to be held as a failure to appear. OK, I did not appear because I was not notified of the hearing.”

The confrontation marked the latest twist in the legal troubles of the former high-flying San Francisco property developer whose name has now become synonymous with an increasingly bizarre fight over access to a Bay Area beach.

Brugnara is facing federal allegations that he fraudulently obtained $422,000 through a pandemic-relief program by misrepresenting his company’s size, payroll and number of workers. Prosecutors say he used the money to buy a house.

After he failed to appear at a February hearing concerning his bond, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Prosecutors later argued that Brugnara knew about the warrant but did nothing to surrender.

The allegations came into sharper focus after Brugnara became embroiled in a separate controversy at Thornton State Beach.

As previously reported by The California Post, a trust linked to Brugnara acquired an interest in land near the Daly City beach in December.

In January, he fenced off roughly six acres at the entrance to the popular coastal area, despite owning only a fraction of the property.

The move enraged fellow property owners and beachgoers who had long used the trail.

A sign posted near the fence warned that the owner was armed with a 9mm handgun, while another threatened that trespassers would be shot.

The confrontation escalated when Brugnara was accused of threatening people who approached the barrier.

One couple called 911 after alleging he warned, “If you get near the fence, I will shoot and kill you,” ABC7 reported.

Police later stopped Brugnara’s girlfriend as she drove away with a 9mm Glock sitting in an unlocked case on the front seat, according to ABC7.

Brugnara, who was in the back seat, was arrested on allegations including being a felon in possession of a firearm and making threats.

The beach dispute added another chapter to Brugnara’s long criminal history.

The former real estate tycoon previously spent roughly nine years in federal prison for crimes including mail and wire fraud.

His record has also included tax-related convictions and other allegations involving threats and obstruction. During last week’s hearing, Brugnara sought release with a $50,000 cash bond and electronic monitoring.

He also repeatedly raised concerns about his health and blood pressure as the judge considered whether he should remain jailed.

“This my liberty that you’re playing with,” Brugnara told Cisneros.

“I know, but you’re trying to steal from me — possibly my life. I could die tonight from a heart attack or stroke. You don’t care,” he added.

“I do care,” the judge replied.

But Brugnara continued to interrupt as the hearing dragged on.

Eventually, Cisneros indicated the proceeding was over and marshals moved to take him into custody.

“Am I going to trial?” Brugnara asked.

“Stop talking,” a marshal responded.

“How can you put an innocent man in jail?” Brugnara said.

A written order issued Wednesday keeps Brugnara in custody through the federal case. His attorney previously sought to withdraw from representing him, and that request remains pending.

His next court appearance is scheduled in about two weeks.

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