In the recent incident in San Rafael, on November 18, 21-year-old Israel Alonzo Taperia allegedly wielded a 12-inch kitchen knife in an attempted mugging. Taperia was apprehended and charged with multiple felony charges, including attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, as confirmed by the San Rafael Police Department.
ROBBERY SUSPECT THREATENS VICTIM AND ENDANGERS POLICE OFFICERS WITH KNIFE:
— San Rafael Police Department (@SanRafaelPolice) November 20, 2023
On 11/18/23, SRPD officers arrested Israel Alonzo Taperia, a 21-year-old San Rafael resident, after he attempted to rob a male victim while threatening to use a sizeable 12-inch kitchen knife. Officers… pic.twitter.com/KFjX7T4Umg
The officers used a Taser device to subdue him, and no one was physically injured during the encounter.
The de-escalation tactics employed by the officers played a crucial role in this outcome. The San Rafael Police Department described Taperia's refusal to cooperate with their commands and his attempt to flee while armed. The decision to use a nonlethal weapon--the Taser--was influenced by the threat he presented and the prioritization of his safety.
