San Mateo police arrested a San Jose man on Sunday, three days after he allegedly pepper sprayed and brandished a knife at another driver before vandalizing the man’s vehicle.
At 3:56 p.m. Thursday, police received a report of a man of a brandishing a knife and pepper spraying the victim on the 100 block of South Ellsworth Avenue.
Officers met the victim, who they said displayed obvious signs of being pepper sprayed. As the effects of the pepper spray subsided, the victim was able to relay he had been sitting in his vehicle when a Tesla pulled up beside him.
The driver of the Tesla, later identified as 34-year-old Alexander Williams, allegedly made “shooting” gestures with his hands toward the victim. Williams then parked in front of the victim’s vehicle, walked toward the victim while brandishing a folding knife, and allegedly threatened to stab the unsuspecting victim.
Williams then approached the passenger side of the vehicle, where he allegedly kicked the rear panel, causing approximately $2,000 in damage.
Police said Williams then pepper sprayed the victim through an open front passenger window as the victim attempted to drive off while calling police.
Police said the motive in the case has not been determined, as neither person knew each other.
Part of the interaction was captured on the victim’s cellphone and a witness was able to provide photos of the suspect and suspect vehicle.
Police determined the suspect vehicle was a rental car, scheduled to be returned Friday, and identified the driver as Williams. Police decided to safely detain Williams when he returned the rental vehicle in Fremont.
After surveilling the rental car business for several hours Friday, police said Williams didn’t return the car.
Between 11:49 a.m. Saturday and the early morning hours Sunday, San Mateo automated license plate readers alerted police the Tesla was in San Mateo. An officer located the vehicle after midnight driving north on Highway 101. A traffic stop was conducted and Williams stopped near San Bruno Avenue in San Bruno.
Police arrested Williams and found two bottles of pepper spray and a folding knife on him. He was transported to and booked into San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of making criminal threats, vandalism, brandishing and battery.
He pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $25,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is Jan. 17, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
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