San Francisco – According to a department press release, on the morning of Tuesday, April 7th, a park ranger was involved in a weapons-related incident when he approached a homeless man, 24-year-old Jesus Perez, in Golden Gate Park.
The east entrance of Golden Gate Park
During their exchange, Perez pulled a large hunting knife from a backpack, removed it from the sheath and brandished it towards the ranger. The ranger, acting in defense for his safety, pepper-sprayed Perez, who then ran away into the park. The ranger was unable to apprehend him, but did retrieve the knife which Perez had left behind during the escape.
The ranger then sought the assistance of Officer Ryan Crockett, and together they set out to apprehend Perez. Crockett, being familiar with the homeless population in the district, was able to locate Perez at the intersection of Haight and Cole Streets, just two blocks from the east end of Golden Gate Park. Perez was taken into custody at 10 am without further incident. After being cleared medically, Perez was interviewed by a sergeant and investigator, and subsequently placed under arrest for brandishing a weapon.
