SMC Shoplifting Suspect Tased After Swinging Chain At Officer: Police

SAN MATEO, CA — A San Mateo man could face felony charges after police allege he fought with officers after stealing from a Safeway on Christmas Eve.

According to the San Mateo Police Department, an employee reported a theft at a store on South El Camino Real a few minutes before 4:45 p.m. Tuesday. Officers searched the area and found a man matching the description walking near 17th and Palm avenues, police said.

As they approached, officers said the man grabbed a metal chain and swung it in their direction before running north onto Palm Avenue. When officers caught up with him, police said the man tried to fight them, leading one officer to use a Taser.

The man was handcuffed and taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Police identified the suspect Wednesday as Jose Pirir-Boch, 41, of San Mateo. He was booked into county jail on suspicion of felony resisting arrest and theft with prior convictions.

According to jail records, Pirir-Boch remained in custody Thursday at the Maguire Correctional Facility with no bail.