Redwood City was the backdrop for a violent skirmish yesterday, leading to a police pursuit and two arrests. The altercation unfolded in the parking lot of an apartment complex on the 1400 block of Ebener Street. As reported by Redwood City Police, around 5:25 PM, a group consisting of four to five individuals was allegedly seen assaulting a man, prompting suspicions of a possible stabbing, which prompted the emergency response.
Police were tipped off to the situation when they saw a van that matched witness descriptions. What ensued was a pursuit that quickly moved to the eastbound stretch of Woodside Road. The driver, who blatantly failed to yield to the blazing emergency lights and sirens, turned the van onto Hudson Street, only to collide with a parked vehicle shortly after. This crash led to the capture of the driver, 47-year-old Manuel Chavarria, while the passive resistance of the 36-year-old front passenger, Gerardo Conrriquez, ended with the deployment of a police K9 and subsequent arrest.
While the van came to a stop, it was noted that there might have been a third suspect, whose whereabouts remain unknown post-incident. The intended victim of the melee was unharmed but uncooperative, according to police statements. Chavarria and Conrriquez were identified as the assailants by witnesses, corroborated by surveillance footage showing them armed and chasing the 20-year-old male victim.
Following the tumult, both suspects now face charges laid out by the San Mateo County Jail. "Chavarria was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, evading a police officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, resisting arrest, vehicle hit and run and parole violation. Conrriquez was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, resisting arrest and parole violation," according to the Redwood City Police. The case is actively under investigation, and Detective Bellotti encourages anyone with information to reach out at (650) 780-7116.
