SAN FRANCISCO—The suspect who critically injured a California Highway Patrol by stabbing him on Tuesday, February 2 has been arrested. Noel Corpuz, 44, was apprehended after authorities received a call of a pedestrian walking in the roadway on the Essex Street on ramp to eastbound I-80.
According to a press release from the SFPD, at approximately 10:05 a.m. two officer CHP units 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 suspect 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 after being stabbed by the suspect during the altercation.
The SFPD received a distress call from the CHP at 10:10 a.m. from a California Highway Patrol Officer requesting immediate assistance at Harrison and Essex Streets. Officers quickly 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 around 10:21 a.m., an individual matching the suspect description walked into a bank at 4th and Brannan Streets. SFPD Officers arrived on scene and attempted to arrest the suspect who resisted arrest and at one point attempted to take one of the officer’s department issued firearm which was holstered. Officers were subsequently able to arrest the suspect and take him into custody. A knife was also recovered at this location. Corpuz was booked at County Jail for attempted murder, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest.
During a press conference at 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.
The SFPD will be handling the investigation. As of 5:00 p.m., 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.
