"The deputy exited his vehicle to contact the suspect and the suspect immediately assaulted the deputy."
I think most Americans reading that would think He got what he deserved. Only one little problem Sheriff Bolanos knew it was a lie. Every SMC Sheriff Deputy involved knew it was a lie. He has removed that Press Release from the County's website after it had been there over 5 months.
I attended the March 1, 2019 Press conference that District Attorney held, I was the one who asked Steve Wagstaffe to identify the Deputy who was allegedly immediately assaulted and what was the assault. Steve's response was You'll have to ask the Sheriff. The reason I asked was Wagstaffe didn't mention it at all in his presentation.
Press Releases:
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office 400 County Center, 3rd Floor Redwood City, CA 94063 Detective Rosemerry Blankswade 650-363-4800 (office) 650-421-1243 (cell) pio@smcgov.org
NEWS RELEASE
Incident Date and Time: Location: Type of Crime/Incident: Summary:
Friday, March 1, 2019 400 County Center Redwood City, CA
Response to the District Attorney’s Office Press Conference related to the Officer Involved Critical Incident with Mr. Chinedu Okobi
The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has completed its investigation and found that the force used by San Mateo County Office Sheriff’s personnel during the encounter with Chinedu Okobi on October 3, 2018, was lawful.
“It is always a tragedy anytime there is a loss of life. It is never something we in law enforcement want to have happen. Our hearts go out to Chinedu Okobi and his family as well as everyone affected by this terrible situation. We appreciate the work conducted by the District Attorney’s Office on this lengthy investigation and will continue with our administrative review process.” -Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos
We recognize that some have questioned the content of our initial news release. The initial news release reflected an understanding of what occurred at the very early stages of the incident and prior to an investigation. Due to the severity of the circumstances, we felt it was important to communicate with the public as soon as possible. After reviewing the District Attorney’s investigation and the video of the incident, we now know that Mr. Okobi initially resisted the deputies’ attempts to detain him and Deputy Wang was struck in the face later in the encounter.
The incident with Mr. Okobi began as a result of a pedestrian traffic violation. Traffic safety is an important component of our duties and El Camino Real is a very busy thoroughfare, especially during the mid-afternoon. We have had multiple pedestrian related collisions in this area including a fatal pedestrian involved collision. Our personnel were concerned for Mr. Okobi’s safety as well as the safety of others around him and it was appropriate to address these safety concerns.
After reviewing the video, our personnel tried to defuse the situation and reassure Mr. Okobi multiple times. Additionally, we now know that paramedics were called to the scene before Mr. Okobi was detained and medics were tending to him before he went into cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, we have
heard suggestions to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in each patrol car and we are working to do so. All our staff are trained in first aid/CPR as well as the use of AEDs.
We frequently review our use of force policies and will continue to do so. De-escalation techniques are a big part of our training and routine practice. We are in the process of updating our use of force policy to further emphasize de-escalation.
At this time, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has no immediate plans institute a moratorium on Tasers. We will continue to provide our deputies with a number of force options and will evaluate our equipment to ensure we have the best tools and training available for our community.
Release Date: March 1, 2019
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office 400 County Center, 3rd Floor Redwood City, CA 94063 Detective Rosemerry Blankswade 650-363-4800 (office) 650-421-1243 (cell) pio@smcgov.org
NEWS RELEASE
Incident Date and Time: Location:
Type of Crime/Incident: Summary:
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018 at approximately 1:00 pm
1300 block of El Camino Real Millbrae, California
Officer Involved Critical Incident
On Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018, at approximately 1:00 pm, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies contacted a male adult who was running in and out of traffic in the 1300 block of El Camino Real, in the City of Millbrae. The deputy exited his vehicle to contact the suspect and the suspect immediately assaulted the deputy. The deputy radioed for assistance. Additional law enforcement resources responded and the struggle continued with the deputies on scene. The suspect was taken into custody. The deputy who was assaulted was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. The suspect was also transported to the hospital, where it was later learned that he died. Per the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Association Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office and San Mateo County Coroner’s Office will be handling investigation of this incident. This incident did not involve gun fire.
Media inquiries should be directed to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office at 650-363-4636.
Release Date: October 3rd, 2018 Case #18-09733
