MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20200320-010
Friday, March 20, 2020
Suspect arrested in connection with stabbing inside San Mateo tunnel system.
San Mateo Police Department caught and arrested a knife wielding suspect after he attacked two people inside a tunnel system that runs underneath downtown San Mateo. Fortunately, only one victim was harmed, receiving a non-life-threatening injury. The suspect was booked into San Mateo County Jail.
San Mateo, CA – On Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 10:08 p.m., San Mateo Police officers were called to the parking lot of Caltrain, located at 385 1st Avenue, on report of a stabbing that occurred inside a culvert running underneath downtown San Mateo, better known as “Darcy’s Tunnel.” Upon their arrival, officers located a victim who had been stabbed in the hand and immediately rendered aid. They learned this was an isolated and targeted attack between people who knew each other.
As the incident rapidly evolved, a police canine began tracking the suspect’s escape path while additional officers spoke with witnesses and another uninjured victim. Thanks to the collaborative effort at the crime scene, officers were able to identify the suspect and safely arrest him as he walked home just blocks away. During the arrest, officers located the knife used in the stabbing.
The injured victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their wound and the suspect was booked at San Mateo County Jail for two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and an active warrant for alcohol related disorderly conduct.
At this time, City Public Works and San Mateo Police Department’s Downtown Unit have collaboratively partnered with North B Street merchants and St. Vincent de Paul in an effort to address the homeless issue, loitering, and criminal activity plaguing Darcy’s Tunnel. We are looking to mitigate any further issues and implement long-term solutions.
Remember, “if you see something, say something.” We’re encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful in identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help us by registering your cameras at www.cityofsanmateo.org/NEST.
ARRESTED
Hermelindo Agustin Lucas, 37-year old San Mateo resident
Charges: Two counts of assault with a deadly weapon (245(a)1 PC) and a bench warrant.
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Desk: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
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