Drunken Spree Leads To Felony Vandalism Arrest In San Mateo: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A San Mateo man is accused of multiple crimes after police allege he caused thousands of dollars of damage to an apartment while heavily intoxicated.

According to police, officers arrived at an apartment building on 36th Avenue to investigate reports of a drunk 38-year-old man breaking things around 3:30 p.m. Friday. The man's roommate told officers the suspect was using slurs, damaging his belongings, and had slapped him in the face before they arrived.

While at the scene, police said officers personally witnessed the suspect break windows and throw items out, including a television and a fish tank. Officers soon learned a woman had barricaded herself in a bedroom to keep away from the suspect, and police attempted to convince him to surrender.

After the suspect continued to act violently, officers used a "less than lethal projectile" to subdue the suspect and take him into custody, police said. He was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and was booked into jail on suspicion of felony vandalism and three misdemeanors: obstructing a police officer, violating civil rights and battery.

He remained in custody Monday pending a court hearing scheduled for the afternoon, according to jail records. Police estimated damage to the apartment complex to be $3,890, and more than $500 inside the apartment unit.