Deadly Millbrae Struggle: Deputies ID'd Following Altercation

MILLBRAE, CA — Following the death of a man who allegedly assaulted a deputy in Millbrae last week, sheriff's officials this week released the names of the deputies involved in the conflict with the man.

Deputy John DeMartini, Deputy Alyssa Lorenzatti, Deputy Joshua Wang, Deputy Bryan Watt and Sgt. David Weidner were involved in responding to a man allegedly running in and out of traffic at about 1 p.m. Wednesday in the 1300 block of El Camino Real.

Sheriff's officials said Chinedu Valentine Okobi, 36, of Redwood City, was the person running in and out of traffic and allegedly assaulted the first deputy who came into contact with him. When the deputy was assaulted, the deputy called for help. Of the four other deputies who assisted the first, one used a Taser on Okobi, who was taken to a hospital and died.

Coroner's officials said the cause of death may not be made public for another seven weeks. An autopsy was done last week, but other tests are now being done.

The deputy Okobi allegedly assaulted was taken to a hospital and was released on the same day as the assault. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said Okobi was unarmed during the conflict.

The five deputies were placed on paid leave following the altercation. Prosecutors will release a report with more details of the conflict in eight to 10 weeks, Wagstaffe said.

— By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock