Del Norte County: Man allegedly confronts, pulls knife on officers outside elementary school
Photo: Tyler Balch / Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office
A man has been arrested after allegedly confronting and pulling a knife on officers outside of an elementary school in Crescent City.
On the night of Friday, April 9, police responded to Crescent Elk Elementary on a report of suspicious behavior. There they encountered 20-year-old Tyler Balch, who reportedly threatened one of the responding officers.
When the officer radioed for assistance, Balch fled on foot, reportedly pulling a knife as he did so but dropping it during the ensuing foot pursuit.
A second officer responded and attempted to arrest Balch while having his taser at the ready. When Balch allegedly fought the officer and tried to unholster his service weapon, the officer deployed the taser, which turned out to have no effect.
At some point, the officers were able to subdue Balch and get him into handcuffs, with Balch continuing to fight and struggle the entire time.
After being medically cleared, Balch was booked into jail.
