Cops: RWC Man Dies Following Attack On, Struggle With Police

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A Redwood City man who was allegedly threatening to kill his own mother while attacking her in a local neighborhood died following a struggle with police, officials said Tuesday. The 55-year-old man, who was not identified apparently became unconscious while resisting arrest and never woke up.

It happened around 7:20 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Lanyard Drive, according to the Redwood City Police Department. A neighbor called 911 to tell police that there was a man assaulting his mother and threatening to kill her, police said.

"The reporting party ... reported the assault was occurring in front of a residence ... and that there were neighbors outside who tried to physically restrain the subject but their attempts were unsuccessful," police said in a news release.

Within just minutes, a Redwood City police officer arrived at the scene and tried to help the 83-year-old mother, police said.

"The suspect immediately attacked the officer and a struggle ensued," police said. "Additional officers arrived on scene and attempted to detain the suspect but he continued to violently resist. During the struggle the suspect became unconscious."

The man was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

A statement by police did not specify what methods the officers used to restrain the man.

Redwood City police Lt. Sean Hart referred questions to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, which is investigating the case. The district attorney's office did not immediately respond to questions.

Four officers were placed on paid leave for the investigation into the in-custody death, as is standard procedure.

— Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone / Bay City News Service contributed to this report