Palo Alto Man Arrested for Punching Prostitute in South City Motel

A Palo Alto man was arrested Thursday night after allegedly punching a prostitute and threatening her with a knife in a South San Francisco hotel, police said Sunday.

The suspect, Mark Steinkamp, 55, allegedly met with a woman at the Travelodge hotel at 326 South Airport Blvd. around 10 p.m. to engage in an apparent act of prostitution, according to police.

The two got into a disagreement over payment of services rendered, and Steinkamp allegedly brandished a knife at the woman and refused to let her leave, police said.

The victim defended herself by spraying him with mace, and he allegedly retaliated by punching her several times before police arrived.

Steinkamp was arrested and booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of false imprisonment, brandishing a weapon and assault. He also had two warrants for his arrest for an unrelated case outside of San Mateo County.

- Bay City News