Suspect With Large Knife Arrested In San Rafael: Police

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A San Rafael man attempted to rob someone with a 12-inch kitchen knife over the weekend before leading officers on a foot chase while still holding the weapon, police said Monday.

According to police, a 911 caller reported an attempted robbery shortly after 6:30 p.m. Saturday on Medway Road. Officers arrived within a few minutes and the victim told them the man approached him with the knife and demanded money, before leaving toward Francisco Boulevard East.

More officers were dispatched to the area and found the man nearby, ordering him to stop. Police said the man refused their orders and ran away while still holding the knife. Officers chased the man on Franciso Boulevard East before he turned around and ran directly between them, police said.

Determining the man to be a danger to public safety, an officer utilized a Taser, which ended the chase. Officers recovered the kitchen knife and called for medics to verify the man's condition.

Police on Monday identified the suspect as Israel Alonzo Taperia, 21, of San Rafael. After he was medically cleared, police booked the Taperia into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, felony attempted robbery, criminal threats and resisting arrest.