Man Attacked With Hammer, Life Threatened In Marin County: Police

NOVATO, CA — Police arrested a 58-year-old Novato man Monday after he tried to strike someone with a hammer and threatened to kill them, police said.

At around 3 p.m. on Monday, Novato Police Department officers said they received calls about a man attacking another person on the 800 block of Tamalpais Avenue.

Before officers arrived the suspect, later identified as Matthew Malouf, 58, of Novato, fled into his home, police said.

Police said they spoke with the victim, who was uninjured. Officers said the victim told them that Malouf had tried to hit them with a hammer, and the victim, who has limited mobility, was unable to run away. The victim was followed by Malouf, who then raised the hammer above his head and threatened to kill them.

A passerby intervened and called 911, causing Malouf to flee, police said.

There was a standoff for several hours and Malouf refused to leave his home, police said.

Officers said they got a warrant and entered the home where Malouf surrendered.

He was arrested and booked at the Marin County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats, police said.