Man Sought After Assaulting Older Man At Pro-Recall Rally At Hwy 101 Overcrossing In San Rafael
SAN RAFAEL (CBS SF) -- A man was being sought after witnesses said he punched and kicked another man during a Gov. Newsom recall rally on a highway overcrossing in San Rafael Sunday.
San Rafael police said the incident happened at around 3:20 p.m. along the Coleman pedestrian overcrossing above U.S. Highway 101. Police received several 911 calls about a younger man attacking an older man where two groups of people with opposing political viewpoints were gathered.
Some participants had hung several banners on the chain link fence and witnesses told police a man began cutting down the banners with a knife. The man was then confronted by an older man and the two began to argue and push each other. The suspect began to punch the victim several times, causing the victim to fall on the ground, police said.
After the attack, the younger man left, walking back toward the east side of the overcrossing. Police said it is believed the suspect then left in a vehicle in an unknown direction. The victim taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Police did not identify the victim, but local pro-recall activist Melanie Swanson identified him as 59-year old Chris Carpiniello in an email to KPIX 5. Swanson said Carpinello was treated at a hospital and released.
A second pro-recall demonstration was set to be held Monday in Novato at 5 p.m. at De Long Ave. exit off of Highway 101, according to Swanson.
Police described the suspect as a 25- to 35-year-old white male, five-foot-11 to six feet tall, 180 to 190 pounds, with shoulder-length curly red/blond hair, wearing a light-colored – possibly blue or green shirt, blue jeans, and blue baseball hat. The man is wanted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault resulting in great bodily injury.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident was asked to call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online at srpd.org/tips.