by Jim Emerson
SAN RAFAEL — A landscaper was arrested after shooting himself in the leg
during a confrontation in the Canal District.
Alex Velazquez-Perez, 21, of San Rafael, was booked at Marin County Jail on September 14.
Velazquez-Perez was taken into custody at 9:11 a.m., at an apartment complex,
located at 50 Larkspur Street. He was first checked at a hospital before he was
transported to the jail.
It was shortly before 9 a.m. when a single gunshot was reported, near Kerner
Boulevard and Fairfax Street. “Witnesses provided information about a male
suspect who fired a handgun,” San Rafael police said in a prepared statement.
The suspect reportedly attempted to pull a handgun from his backpack during an
confrontation with another man, when the firearm discharged. Police believe this
confrontation may be related to street gang rivalry.
Officers dispatched drones to help them find the suspect who fled from the
scene, later identified as Velazquez-Perez. He was apprehended less than a
quarter of a mile away.
“The drones maintained visual observation and directed nearby officers to
Velasquez-Perez’s location,” according to San Rafael PD. “The man matching
the suspect’s description was located walking through the apartment complex.”
Velasquez-Perez was booked for assault with a firearm and carrying a loaded
firearm. He was also booked on outstanding bench warrant for driving with a
suspended license, and refusing to take a chemical test.
Velasquez-Perez remains in custody in lieu of $52,000 bond. Incidentally, he
has five prior arrests on his record involving DUI alcohol/drugs.
