San Rafael, CA – February 3, 2025 – San Rafael Police Officers safely arrested a 28-year-old San Rafael man on Monday after multiple reports of an individual brandishing a knife at bystanders. The suspect, Stanley Erole, a San Rafael resident, was taken into custody after officers attempted several de-escalation measures.  Mr. Erole is facing charges of resisting arrest, dissuading an officer from carrying out their duties using threats, and violence and battery on a peace officer.

At 2:21 p.m., SRPD officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man in the area of Smith Ranch Road and Yosemite Road threatening people with a box cutter-style knife. Witnesses reported that the suspect approached several individuals in an aggressive and threatening manner, including a woman who was simply passing by. Another caller reported that the suspect had also brandished the knife at two construction workers before concealing the knife in his jacket sleeve.

As officers arrived, they confirmed with witnesses that Mr. Erole was the same individual seen threatening people with the weapon. Before the first officer could exit his patrol car, Mr. Erole became visibly agitated, yelling profanities and displaying aggressive behavior. The officer attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation, but Mr. Erole’s hostility escalated. In an effort to create time and distance, the officer repositioned his patrol vehicle multiple times, prioritizing safety for the public and responding personnel.

Despite the officer's repeated de-escalation efforts, Mr. Erole continued to advance aggressively. When a second officer arrived, Mr. Erole assumed a fighting stance, clenched his fists, and ignored multiple commands to get on the ground. Concerned for public safety, the primary officer deployed his Conducted Electronic Device (CED), commonly known as a Taser, but it was ineffective. Mr. Erole became even more agitated, continuing to yell profanities and prompting the second officer to deploy two less-than-lethal foam projectiles, which had no effect.  Mr. Erole then aggressively advanced on the second officer, and struck him in the head with a closed fist. Mr. Erole then continued to physically attack the officer.

With Mr. Erole continuing to pose a threat and actively attacking the officer, officers engaged in a controlled takedown and were able to place him into custody.

Officers immediately provided first aid for Mr. Erole, and per department protocol, an ambulance transported him to a local hospital for medical evaluation. A search of Mr. Erole revealed a box cutter in his pants pocket. (Pictured below)

The officer who was assaulted sustained minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene by San Rafael Fire Department personnel.

The San Rafael Police Department remains committed to transparency and public safety. This press release is part of our effort to keep the community informed. Use of force is always a last resort and is only employed when all de-escalation tactics have been exhausted, and a suspect poses an imminent threat to officers or community members.  Per SRPD procedures, all use-of-force incidents undergo an administrative review to ensure compliance with legal and departmental policies.