In a bizarre turn of events last Saturday night, a Redwood City man who was initially the victim of a hit-and-run collision became the perpetrator in a serious assault incident. According to a press release from the Redwood City Police Department, a traffic accident report escalated into a dangerous chase, injuring pedestrians.
The incident unfolded at approximately 10:06 P.M. the Redwood City Police Department received a call from a driver, who reported being involved in a hit-and-run and claimed to be in active pursuit of the fleeing suspect. The pursuing driver, later identified as 19-year-old Brian Barbatajimaroa, was advised to cease the chase. Despite repeated instructions to pull over, Barbatajimaroa continued following the suspect vehicle, and his actions led to multiple pedestrians being struck and seriously injured.
In what unfolded on the 900 block of King Street, the suspect Barbatajimaroa had been chasing eventually stopped their vehicle near a gathering of people. Tragically, as Barbatajimaroa drove towards the suspect, he plowed into the group of pedestrians. The Redwood City Police reported that "at least two adults sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment."
Barbatajimaroa, a resident, was thereafter arrested and faces four counts of PC 245(a)(1) – assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently booked into the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility. As the investigation continues, authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Redwood City Police Department. The non-emergency number is (650) 780-7100.
