Full Notification

DATE/TIME: November 5th 2023 
LOCATION: 2053 East Bayshore, Redwood City
 

Media Information: On November 5th at around 718 PM, Redwood City officers responded to the Redwood Mobile Estates (2053 East Bayshore) on the report of a man with a rifle. The initial call stated a Hispanic Male Adult (name withheld) was on the roof of a trailer, possibly firing the rifle. 

A perimeter was established, and drones were requested from allied agencies to gain better situational awareness of the event. The Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNU) responded to try to communicate with the subject. At the time that RCPD units had arrived the subject had moved from the roof into the inside of the trailer. Elements of the Redwood City Fire Department and AMR responded to attend to any potential medical needs. It was determined that the subject’s wife and seven-  year-old son were inside the residence. 

CNU members researched the subject’s past history and found he had a prior arrest for a violent felony. Given the fact that he was inside with his wife and child and, at the time, it was unknown if the wife and child were being held against their will, CNU negotiators began speaking with the subject to try to get him to come out. 

A certified crisis negotiator from the CNU unit was able to get him to exit momentarily, but he was highly agitated. Officers on scene were concerned that if the subject was able to re-enter the residence, he may harm the other residents or arm himself with the rifle. To prevent his re-entry, a 40MM less lethal device was deployed. The subject was struck twice in non-vital areas, allowing officers to move in and detain him without further incident. The subject was treated for minor injuries and then taken to San Mateo County General Hospital for a complete mental health evaluation. 

This case highlights officer’s efforts at de-escalation in the midst of a rapidly developing tactical situation. It also demonstrates the balance between concern for a subject who turned out be in a mental crisis episode, with the safety of his wife and son. Given the fact that the subject was believed to be armed with a rifle in a population dense area that was a major concern as well. 

The use of drones and CNU gave supervisors on scene the ability to utilize time and distance as tools to come up with a safe resolution to the event. 

It was later determined the rifle was a realistic looking pellet gun. Criminal charges are pending for the subject. 

Nick Perna 
Lieutenant 
Investigations Commander 
Redwood City Police Department 
650-780-7672 
[email protected] 

This press release is approved for distribution by the Investigations Division Commander, Lieutenant Nick Perna