On March 19, 2019 at about 6:18pm, Officer Travis Ruggles of the San Rafael Police Department was on patrol in his marked black and white police vehicle in the area of Third Street and Lindaro Street in San Rafael.  His attention was drawn to a parking lot, where he saw a male subject waiving his arms above his head.  The subject was looking in the direction of Officer Ruggles and appeared to need police assistance.

Officer Ruggles contacted the subject who directed him to a vehicle where two men were fighting. As Officer Ruggles approached the vehicle, he saw the two subjects engaged in a physical fight.  He noticed the passenger car door was slightly ajar, so he opened the door, announced who he was, and ordered the men to stop fighting.  Officer Ruggles detained both men and assessed the need for medical attention but none was required.

Based on his investigation, Officer Ruggles learned that Jack McCoy and Hadrian Rowden had met in the parking lot to conduct a drug transaction.  McCoy, who wanted to buy the drugs, brought an envelope containing “fake” money.  Rowden, who was selling the drugs, wanted to count the money in the envelope prior to handing over the drugs.  At this point, it appears that McCoy pulled out a can of pepper spray and sprayed Rowden.  After being sprayed, Rowden pulled out the knife and a physical fight started between McCoy and Rowden.  Neither party was stabbed in the incident. 

After concluding his investigation, Officer Ruggles placed both men under arrest.  He arrested:

Jack McCoy, a 19-year-old resident of San Rafael for Attempted Robbery and Unlawful Use of Tear Gas.

Hadrian Rowden, a 20-year-old resident of La Honda (California) for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Possession of Drugs for Sale.

Officer Ruggles booked both subjects at the Marin County Jail.