San Mateo, CA – On November 9, 2026, at approximately 4:37 p.m., San Mateo Police Department (SMPD) officers, along with a drone as a first responder (DFR), responded to Central Park, located at 50 E. 5th Avenue, following a report of an adult male who allegedly brandished a folding knife, threatened an adult victim, and attempted to slash the victim with the blade.
Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect, identified as Derek Schenone. Officers ordered Schenone to stop and comply with their commands, but he repeatedly refused and displayed signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication. As Schenone continued to be verbally combative and uncooperative, an officer displayed a TASER in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Schenone subsequently complied with officers' commands and was detained without further incident. A folding knife similar to the one described by the victim was located during a weapons search of Schenone’s pants pockets.
Following the investigation, Schenone was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer, and public intoxication. He was transported to the San Mateo County Jail, where he was booked on the charges.
The San Mateo Police Department reminds community members to remain aware of their surroundings when visiting public parks and other shared spaces. If you encounter someone displaying a weapon or engaging in threatening behavior, do not approach or attempt to confront the individual. Instead, move to a safe location and immediately call 911. Providing dispatchers with a detailed description of the individual, their location, and any weapons involved can help responding officers quickly assess the situation and protect public safety.
ARRESTED:
Derek Schenone, 61-year-old San Mateo resident
CHARGES:
Schenone-245 (A) (1) PC, 148 (A) (1) PC, 647 (F) PC
