San Mateo Man Suspected of Attempted Robbery at Coyote Point Charged,

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A San Mateo attempted robbery suspect is now facing a slew of charges after trying to take a teenage boy's cell phone at gunpoint, authorities reported. The 33-year-old, Michael Stephen Bruni, encountered resistance when his intended 15-year-old victim fought back before fleeing to safety and prompted a community-wide alert. This incident occurred at the popular Coyote Point, usually known for its tranquility.

Officials say Bruni was wielding what turned out to be a replica handgun during the April 15 confrontation, which occurred around 7:15 p.m., causing immediate alarm in the normally quiet area. After the attempted robbery, witnesses saw Bruni leaving hastily in a white SUV, the San Mateo County District Attorney's office announced.

Michael Stephen Bruni (33) held to answer on all charges after a preliminary hearing. Bruni allegedly tried to rob a 15 yr old at Coyote Point while displaying a replica handgun. The victim punched Bruni in the face and ran away. Bruni was identified & arrested by @SanMateoPD. pic.twitter.com/lUHtoL78nn
— San Mateo County District Attorney (@SanMateoCoDA) April 30, 2024

Acting on a tip from a witness who captured the license plate of the suspect's vehicle, the San Mateo Police Department tracked Bruni down to a shopping center where he reportedly parked his vehicle near a Target store. Without incident, officers managed to arrest Bruni when he returned to the allegedly ill-gotten SUV, according to Hoodline.

Further searching the vehicle, police found a BB gun styled to look like a Glock handgun and various drug paraphernalia, revealing the potentially more dangerous nature of the encounter. Bruni was out on bail for another crime when he committed this latest offense. In light of his repeat offender status, the charges against Bruni are especially serious, including second-degree robbery and committing a felony while on bail.

The San Mateo Police Department highlighted the essential role that public awareness and quick reporting played in Bruni's arrest and urged the community to continue vigilance.