Latest catwalk robbery adds to running tally

At approximately 6:53 p.m., a 29-year-old man was walking across the catwalk when he was approached by three Polynesian men approximately 200 to 220 pounds each. The men knocked the man to the ground with a weapon and took some of his property, said San Mateo police Sgt. Joe Pierucci.

Because the incident is under investigation, Pierucci said he cannot reveal what was taken or what type of weapon was used. The men ran to the east side of the catwalk and fled north on North Bayshore Boulevard, Pierucci said. The victim had visible injuries but refused medical attention, Pierucci said.

A similar crime occurred June 22. In that incident, a man was walking home alone when a Polynesian man approached him and asked for a dollar. When the man refused, he was punched in the face and fell to the ground. He was punched and kicked in the head by three or four other Polynesian men who subsequently took the man's cell phone, cigarettes and some money.

Neighbors and nearby business owners have called for the police to shut down the catwalk at night because of safety concerns, but police say increased enforcement is a better solution.

The overcrossing is planned to be replaced with a safer structure when a new sound wall is installed on the highway, city officials say.

Jon Mays can be reached by e-mail at jon@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 107. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.