Full Notification

LOCATION: 100 block of Shaw Court and the 1100 block of Hudson Street, Redwood City 

DATE/TIME: March 8, 2024, around 9:13 AM 

Media Information: On March 8, 2024, at approximately 9:13 pm, officers were dispatched to a report of a suicidal subject on the 100 block of Shaw Ct. The subject, a 38-year-old male Redwood City resident was reported to own multiple firearms. In an attempt to peacefully resolve the situation, a member of the Redwood City Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation Unit contacted the subject by phone to offer him services and get him the treatment he needed. The subject refused to exit the residence. There were other members of the subject’s family residing in the residence who agreed to stay at a friend’s house, and officers disengaged. 

On March 9, 2024, at around 4:35 pm, the male’s father located the male actively attempting to harm himself. The male then fled the Shaw Ct residence in a white work van, and it was unknown if he was armed as he had access to a safe with firearms shortly before the time of call.  

Shortly thereafter, officers located the van at Hawes Elementary School backed in near a building on campus (near Rocketship Prep and Building Kids Preschool). School staff were advised to shelter in place as officers worked to resolve the situation. Working with members of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, a drone was used to clear much of the campus. Areas that could not be checked by the drone were cleared by RCPD Officers. Ultimately, it was determined that the van was empty, and at that time, the subject’s location was unknown. 

An RCPD Officer authored and obtained a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO). A GVRO is a legal document, signed by a judge, that allows officers to seize firearms from subjects who potentially pose a threat to others. Officers gained permission from the family to enter the residence on Shaw Ct. This residence was cleared, and the safe containing the male’s firearms was seized. 

Meanwhile, other RCPD officers maintained surveillance on the van, in case the subject returned to it. The male eventually returned to the van and was contacted by officers. The officers placed him on a mental health hold and transported him to a mental health facility. The Department’s mental health clinician is following up this week to make sure the subject is given the help and resources he needs. The subject did not commit any crimes and no criminal charges will be submitted against him. 

The goal in these types of situations is a peaceful resolution. RCPD Officers used all manner of techniques to accomplish this. Using CNU negotiators specifically trained in dealing with subjects in mental health crisis is a key element in this strategy. CNU is the voice of the department when attempting to deescalate situations. Leveraging technology such as drones allows the department to conduct quicker, more efficient searches of areas, allowing more time to focus on other aspects of the operation. The use of a GVRO as a means to keep firearms out of the hands of subjects who may use them to harm themselves or others, is a key component in the overall strategy to have a longer-term solution to an issue. 

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