Armed Man Threatened San Mateo Hospital Guard, Threw Firework: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A San Mateo man armed with a knife threatened to kill a hospital security guard and threw a firework Tuesday before he was taken into custody, according to police.

In a news release, police said dispatchers received a 911 call late Tuesday from a neighbor who heard a loud "bang" near the San Mateo Medical Center. A second caller reported a man armed with a knife who was making threats and threw an incendiary device at staffers.

Several officers rushed to the hospital, which had activated lockdown measures. Staffers told police the man had attempted to access the hospital and was asked to leave by security. Police said the man took out a knife in the parking lot and charged at a security guard, who fired a warning shot into the air in fear for his life.

Witnesses told police the man threw what was later determined to be a firework at the guard before running away.

After a search of the area, officers located a man matching the description of the suspect near 36th Avenue and Colegrove Street. Police identified the suspect Wednesday as Miguel Boch-Chamale, 21, of San Mateo. He was booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, felony criminal threats, and charges related to discharging the firework.

Police said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact detectives at 650-522-7700. Officers are also seeking additional surveillance footage from surrounding areas.