Police: San Mateo man arrested on $2.5 million warrant, possible third strike
Above: File photo of Arnell Clark | San Mateo PD
A San Mateo County man has reportedly been arrested on a $2.5 million warrant, which police say may also be his third strike under California law.
Police had been searching for 42-year-old Arnell Clark, a known transient, ever since he allegedly violated his parole by disabling his ankle monitor and failing to check in with his parole officer, police said.
On the morning of Thursday, March 10, a man leading police on a pursuit reportedly abandoned the vehicle near Highway 92 and Hillsdale Boulevard, ran to and entered another occupied vehicle, and forced the driver at knifepoint to drive him to San Mateo Medical Center.
From there, the suspect reportedly tried to hitchhike his way out of the area, but ultimately jumped into a nearby creek and submerged himself in the water when he saw police approaching.
Police quickly established a perimeter, but the suspect eluded capture.
The suspect was soon identified as Clark, and a $2.5 million warrant was secured for his arrest. Police say that Clark’s transient living and familiarity with the area likely gave him the upper hand in avoiding arrest.
Nonetheless, police pursued all leads and coordinated with other law enforcement agencies until, at last, they were able to locate and arrest Clark just before 1 AM on Tuesday, May 31.
Police say that Clark may be facing a third strike as a result of this most recent arrest and, if so, faces 25 years to life in prison.
