Peninsula Man Pistol-Whipped, Suspect Flees Into Drainpipe In Drug Deal Gone Bad: Police

BELMONT, CA – A man who allegedly stole another's backpack full of marijuana in a Belmont drug deal gone bad is currently being sought by police. Authorities say the man was spotted by Belmont police Tuesday night after the theft, but got away after running through a drainpipe under the Carlmont Shopping Center. The ordeal prompted a shelter-in-place order for more than an hour.

According to Belmont Police Capt. Patrick Halleran, it all started around 6:25 p.m. when authorities got called to the scene of a "physical fight" in a parking lot at the shopping center. When they got there, police found a man with injuries described as "non-life-threatening."

"The victim, a 22 year old Belmont man, had gone to the shopping center parking lot to sell an as yet undetermined amount of marijuana," Halleran said in a news release. "During that transaction, the victim was pistol-whipped by a male suspect and the victim's backpack containing the marijuana was taken."

The suspect was gone by the time police got to the center, but they immediately began searching for him, Halleran said. Then, at about 7 p.m., an officer spotted the man in the 1100 block of Ladera Way.

"A foot pursuit ensued and the suspect fled into Belmont Creek, and ran west into a culvert that goes under the Carlmont Shopping Center," Halleran said. "A shelter in place advisement was put out to the area, while officers searched for the suspect."

Shelter in Place Alert! BPD searching for robbery suspect running thru drainpipe under Carlmont Shopping Center toward Carlmont Dr
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) June 28, 2017

"In spite of an almost 2-hour search, which included a Belmont Police K-9, the suspect eluded capture," he added.

The order to shelter in place was lifted around 8:15 p.m.

BPD K9-Kilo tracking suspect. Remain indoors on/around Carlmont Dr and IHM campus. pic.twitter.com/uSCJZ1heQX
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) June 28, 2017

Shelter-in-Place is lifted. Investigation is ongoing. Suspect still outstanding. Officers will continue to patrol the area.
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) June 28, 2017

According to police, the suspect is described as an Asian or Hispanic male, about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 160 pounds, with medium complexion, black curly hair and a tattoo on the left side of his neck. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and red shorts and carrying a black backpack.

Wanted suspect is Asain/Hispanic man 20yrs Tattoo on FACE, wearing red shorts. Call 911 if he's seen.
— Belmont Police Dept. (@belmontcapolice) June 28, 2017

The suspect was also armed with a semi-automatic handgun, police said.

"It should be noted that the suspect description was based on what he looked like when last seen by the pursuing officer," Halleran said. "During the robbery, the suspect was wearing additional clothing, which we believe was discarded in the area of Ladera Way, between the time of the robbery and when he was spotted by the officer."

Police believe the suspect may have discarded a dark-colored hoodie, light brown or orange sweatpants and a brown ski mask. Residents in the area of the 1100 block of Ladera Way are asked to check their yards for these items. If found, residents are urged not to touch the items, and to call police.

Police said this was not a random attack, but that the victim was specifically targeted for the marijuana.

The case is under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Belmont police at (650) 595-7400 or police@belmont.gov.

– Image via Shutterstock / Bay City News Service contributed to this report