Man With Box Cutter Arrested, Officer Injured In San Rafael: Police

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A 28-year-old San Rafael man was arrested Monday after police allege he brandished a box cutter at bystanders and fought officers attempting to de-escalate the situation.

In a news release, the police department said multiple 911 callers reported a man near Smith Ranch and Yosemite roads approaching people aggressively and threatening them with a box cutter.

Witnesses pointed out the suspect as the first officer arrived, and police said the man became visibly agitated and began yelling profanities before he left his patrol car. Police said the officer tried to calm the man down, but his behavior continued to escalate and become more aggressive.

When backup arrived, police said the man assumed a fighting stance and ignored commands to get on the ground, leading the first officer to use a Taser, which proved ineffective. As the man became more agitated, the second officer fired two "less-than-lethal" foam projectiles, which police said did not appear to have an effect.

According to police, the man moved toward the second officer, punched him in the head and continued to attack him before officers successfully used a "controlled takedown" and took him into custody.

The man was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and booked into jail. Police said the officer who was injured was treated at the scene for minor injuries.