SMC Man Tries To Start Fire At Winery, Crashes Tesla Into Parked Cars: Police

SARATOGA, CA — A 42-year-old Menlo Park resident reportedly tried to start a fire and threw bottles at staff at a winery Saturday afternoon in Saratoga before fleeing in his Tesla that he then crashed into parked cars and then barricaded himself inside of the car, police said.

On Saturday afternoon, Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies said they responded to the Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables in Saratoga after receiving a call about a man, later identified as Beri Vikram, 42, of Menlo Park, had tried to start a fire and, when confronted by staff, threw a wine bottle and fled in a Tesla.

Police said he then intentionally crashed into two parked cars, sending one over an embankment.

Vikram then drove his Tesla off the embankment and refused to surrender, police said.

Officers said they used pepperball and spray, to eventually force him to crawl out of the car

He was arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation, police said. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, police said.

The incident is under investigation.