Man Points Knife At Officer During Marin County Standoff: Police

NOVATO, CA — A Santa Rosa man was arrested Monday after pointing a knife at a police officer during a standoff at the Novato Fair shopping center, police said.

Around 12:30 p.m., an officer patrolling near the shopping center spoke with Joseph Morales, 41, of Santa Rosa, who was acting erratically and appeared to be under the influence of drugs, according to the Novato Police Department.

The officer was speaking with Morales in front of the Dollar Tree when a store manager said Morales was not welcome inside the business, police said.

Despite being told not to enter, Morales went into the store. When the officer entered to order him to leave, Morales pulled out a folding knife and pointed it at the officer, police said.

A standoff followed as officers used de-escalation tactics and called in additional personnel, including members of the department's SWAT and Crisis Negotiation teams.

After about 20 minutes of negotiations, Morales dropped the knife and surrendered, police said.

No injuries were reported.

Morales was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of brandishing a weapon, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest, trespassing and public intoxication, police said.