CHP Officer Critically Stabbed, Suspect Apprehended by SFPD
On Tuesday, February 2, 2016, California Highway Patrol received a complaint about a possible pedestrian walking in the roadway on the Essex Street on ramp to eastbound I-80. Responding officers were unable to locate the subject at the time.
At approximately 10:05 AM, a two officer CHP unit arrived at the location and contacted a male subject. During the enforcement contact, the subject attacked one of the officers with a knife and a struggle ensued. The subject then ran from the scene, with one officer chasing the subject to the bottom of the on-ramp. Upon reaching the bottom of the ramp, the officer realized his partner was still at the original location. The officer returned to the scene and found his partner suffering from a life threatening injury to his neck having been stabbed by the subject during the struggle.
At approximately 10:10 AM, San Francisco Police received a distress call from a California Highway Patrol Officer requesting immediate assistance at Harrison and Essex Streets. Officers rapidly responded to the location and established a perimeter to locate the stabbing suspect. San Francisco Fire Department personnel transported the CHP officer to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment. A suspect description was broadcast to all responding officers.
At approximately 10:21 AM, a subject matching the suspect description walked into a bank at 4th and Brannan Streets. SFPD Officers arrived on scene and attempted to arrest the suspect; however, the suspect resisted arrest and at one point attempted to take one of the officer’s department issued firearm which was holstered. Officer were subsequently able to arrest the suspect and take him into custody. A knife was also recovered at this location.
The suspect is identified as 44 year old Asian male, Noel Corpuz. Corpuz was booked at County Jail for attempted murder, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest. A booking photo will not be provided due to ID pending matters.
At a noon press briefing in San Francisco General Hospital, CHP Commander Christopher Sherry said, “This type of incident just really shocks us. These officers, our officers, and all of law enforcement go out and put themselves in harm’s way. It’s a tough job. Sometimes, as we all know, things like this happen and we just hope the best for our officer.” The officer is a seven year veteran of CHP.
San Francisco Police will be handling the investigation into this violent attack. As of 5:00PM, the CHP officer was out of surgery and listed in stable condition. The SFPD sends well wishes for a speedy recovery to the officer and his family.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the SFPD anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444, text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.