A 43-year-old Sacramento man was arrested by San Mateo police following a pursuit Tuesday night, but not before the suspect crashed into a tree, fled on foot and jumped into a waist-deep pond in Foster City, leading to a 90-minute standoff with police.
The incident unfolded Tuesday at 9:05 p.m., when police located a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Bridgepointe Shopping Center at 3000 Bridgepointe Parkway. The suspect, later identified as Michael Robillard, attempted to drive the car from the parking lot and sped from the scene after officers attempted the traffic stop, police said.
During the pursuit, Robillard drove back and forth between different parking lots at the shopping center before entering Foster City and heading into the Schooner Bay condominium complex, where he reportedly crashed into a tree at a high rate of speed.
The suspect exited the vehicle, fled on foot and jumped into the complex’s pond to avoid arrest.
“While partially submerged in the pond, the suspect threatened to stab and to shoot officers who attempted to enter the pond” and also threatened to commit suicide, according to police, but following a 90-minute standoff that included talks with crisis negotiators and crisis intervention trained officers, Robillard walked to shore and was safely taken into custody.
“Through investigation, SMPD learned the suspect had an outstanding felony warrant for multiple robberies in Alameda County as well as a parolee at large warrant for first degree robbery (212.5 PC),” police said.
Robillard was booked into jail on charges that include possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a peace officer.
Photo courtesy of the San Mateo Police Department
