Arrest for Alleged Intoxication Ends Up With Battery Charge

By Bay City News

A man was arrested for battery on a police officer after a scuffle in Novato on Monday evening in which he allegedly tried to grab the officer's gun, a police sergeant said.

Officers had arrested 23-year-old Jose Manuel Yupit, of Novato, for public intoxication at the Novato Fair Shopping Center at 942 Diablo Ave. around 5:15 p.m., Sgt. Jennifer Dunlap said.

Yupit was taken to Novato Community Hospital for medical clearance before being booked in the Marin County Jail, but when he was released from the hospital, he allegedly resisted the arresting officer and tried to escape, Dunlap said.

Yupit and the officer struggled and both fell to the ground, Dunlap said. The officer called for backup as Yupit kicked and fought to escape, she said.

During the struggle, Yupit fell on top of the arresting officer and pinned the officer, Dunlap said. Yupit tried to pull the officer's gun from its holster before additional officers arrived and subdued him, Dunlap said.

Yupit was taken back to Novato Community Hospital for treatment of his injuries and booked into the Marin County Jail for resisting an officer, attempted escape, attempt to remove a weapon, battery on a peace officer and public intoxication. His bail was set at $50,000.

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