A tense Saturday run-in in San Rafael’s Canal District ended with a 64-year-old man in custody after police say he confronted a group of juveniles and threw a bicycle at one of the riders. Officers identified the suspect as Peter Anthony Creighton and arrested him nearby. Investigators said no injuries were reported, despite the aggressive encounter that sent multiple calls into police from both the Canal District and downtown area.
According to The Press Democrat, officers were dispatched after reports that a man was attacking juveniles near Third and E streets. Sgt. Justin Graham told the outlet that the man allegedly swung his fist at a passing bicyclist, grabbed another youth’s bike and threatened to steal it, then escalated the confrontation by throwing the bicycle at the rider when the child tried to hold on. Police later located the suspect on B Street and arrested him on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault and violating the terms of his probation.
Suspect's past arrests
San Rafael Police Department records indicate that a person with the same name was arrested in November 2023 after witnesses reported that he punched a bicyclist, knocked him off the bike and struck him with a pipe during an apparent attempted theft. The department’s "Behind the Badge" posts state that officers found and booked him on robbery and assault charges, according to material on the San Rafael Police Department website.
What the charges could mean
Under California law, robbery is defined as a felonious taking by force or fear (Penal Code §211), and assault with a deadly weapon is set out in Penal Code §245. Both can carry potential state prison time depending on the specific facts of the case and any prior record. For those who want to dig into the fine print, see Penal Code §211 and Penal Code §245 for the statutory language and listed penalties.
Police response and tips
San Rafael police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has video to contact investigators through the department’s non-emergency line at (415) 485-3000. For department information and recent press releases, visit the San Rafael Police Department.
