A disturbing incident in San Rafael led to an individual’s arrest after they allegedly assaulted another person with a machete before setting a homeless encampment alight.
The San Rafael Police Department received several calls about a fire near the Mahon Creek path on the 700 block of Lincoln Avenue early in the morning. Upon arrival, police officers and fire crews found a tent fully engulfed in flames and quickly extinguished the fire.
Investigations revealed that the suspect and victim knew each other and had argued over a cell phone. The disagreement escalated, resulting in the suspect allegedly swinging a machete at the victim, causing an injury. Police report that the suspect then set her own tent on fire. Fortunately, no other structures were damaged, and no other individuals were injured in the incident.
The suspect has been booked into Marin County jail on suspicion of causing a fire of an inhabited structure and assault with a deadly weapon, both felony charges. The victim is expected to recover from their injuries.
In response to such incidents, the City of San Rafael introduced an ordinance last week that aims to regulate the proximity and size of camping areas. The new regulations are intended to prevent violent incidents and protect the unsheltered population.
This incident highlights the importance of safety measures and regulations within temporary living situations and the necessity of providing adequate resources and protections for vulnerable populations.