San Rafael, CA – Early this morning, SRPD arrested Walenton Deleon-Diaz, a 26-year-old San Rafael resident, in connection with the attempted homicide of his mother.  Deleon-Diaz was booked into the Marin County Jail on several felony charges, which included attempted homicide.  The victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and is expected to survive.

Just before 1:00 AM, SRPD Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call that a family member had just stabbed their mother in an apartment located in the unit block of Fairfax Street in San Rafael.  Officers arrived within two minutes.

Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect, Deleon-Diaz, in the middle of Fairfax Street in front of the apartment complex where the incident occurred.  Deleon-Diaz was being defiant and yelled at officers as they arrived.  Deleon-Diaz did not follow verbal directions and commands.  Deleon-Diaz also indicated that he was still in possession of the knife he had used to stab the victim.  During this same time, witnesses were reporting that the victim was inside and had been severely stabbed.

Officers continued to use de-escalation techniques while also giving directions and commands.  Deleon-Diaz stated and gestured that he would not comply with the officers.  Officers began to approach slowly in the hopes that Deleon-Diaz would comply and so they could also rescue the victim.  As they approached, Deleon-Diaz grabbed the front of his waistband, where he said he had the knife.  Due to the obvious safety risk posed to the public, the victim, and the officers, a 40-millimeter non-lethal sponge round was used and struck Deleon-Diaz.  Deleon-Diaz dropped to the ground and was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers were able to get to the apartment and began to provide lifesaving first aid to the victim.  SRFD Paramedics also arrived and immediately transported the victim to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

During the investigation, officers learned that Deleon-Diaz had gotten into a verbal argument with his mother that escalated when he began stabbing her several times with a knife.  Other family members intervened and called the police.  The victim is expected to survive and is listed in stable condition.

Deleon-Diaz was medically cleared and booked into the Marin County Jail for attempted homicide, mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon - not a firearm, and criminal threats.  Due to the severe nature of this case, a bail enhancement was sought, and Deleon-Diaz is being held in lieu of $750,000 bail.