Palo Alto: Man arrested in downtown skateboard attack

PALO ALTO — Authorities on Wednesday arrested a 38-year-old transient man on suspicion of attacking a pedestrian — seemingly at random — with a skateboard in downtown Palo Alto.

The incident was reported about 11:40 a.m. in the 500 block of University Avenue. In a news release Thursday, Palo Alto police Sgt. Craig Lee said the victim, identified as a man in his 20s, was walking westbound when he was accosted by the suspect, who he did not know.

The suspect “yelled nonsensically,” then punched the victim in the face and hit him in the stomach with a skateboard, according to Lee. As the victim ran from the suspect, the suspect continued to yell and allegedly threw a rock toward the victim before walking away.

Lee said the victim suffered minor injuries to his face and torso as a result of the attack.

Officers found the suspect, identified as Tristan Mackreth, inside a nearby business and detained him without incident. Mackreth was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose on assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threat charges.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Palo Alto Police Department at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.