SMPD Arrests Suspect for Attempted Homicide
MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230221-010
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
SMPD Arrests Suspect for Attempted Homicide
San Mateo, CA- On Sunday, February 19, 2023, at approximately 10:29 p.m., SMPD officers responded to the 400 block of South Norfolk Street on the report of a fight. Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim who was bleeding profusely from his left arm. Another male, later identified as Jose Cortez Rodriguez, stood near the victim while holding a utility knife in his hand. Officers immediately ordered Cortez Rodriguez away from the victim. Cortez Rodriguez threw the knife to the ground, and then complied with the officers’ orders. Officers promptly detained Cortez Rodriguez and placed him in handcuffs.
Before starting an investigation, officers examined the victim’s injuries. The victim had two minor cuts on the back of his head which appeared to be caused by a knife. More significantly, the victim had an approximately six-inch large laceration on his left arm. Because of the massive amount of blood pouring from the victim’s wound, officers applied a tourniquet. Later, the victim was transported to a local trauma center for medical care. During the investigation, officers learned the victim and Cortez Rodriguez were drinking together earlier in the evening. The victim stated that Cortez Rodriguez suddenly attacked him. The victim said that while the two fought, Cortez Rodriguez brandished a knife and threatened to cut the victim’s throat. The victim raised his arms towards his head to protect his neck and Cortez Rodriguez cut the victim’s left arm. The victim ran away from Cortez Rodriguez, entered a nearby store and asked an employee to call the police.
Officers arrested Cortez Rodriguez and transported him to the San Mateo County Jail. He was booked into jail for attempted homicide.
Remember, “If you see something, say something.” We are encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest.
ARRESTED
Jose Cortez Rodriguez, a 51-year-old San Mateo resident
Charges: Attempted Homicide (664/187 PC)
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Support Services
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
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Address/Location
San Mateo, CA Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy
San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-522-7700
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