Man wanted on outstanding warrant attempts escape from Marin police on a paddleboard

The Bay Area man, who was wanted on an arrest warrant from Sonoma County, jumped into the creek near Canal Street, police said.

San Rafael police arrested a suspect wanted on a warrant after he allegedly tried to escape on a paddleboard in the Canal area.

The incident happened at about 3 p.m. Thursday, when police received a report of a nuisance in the 600 block of Canal Street, said San Rafael police Sgt. Raul Aguilar.

Police contacted the suspect, Josh Andrew Smoak of Santa Rosa, and determined he had a no-bail arrest warrant pending in Sonoma County, Aguilar said. He said Smoak jumped into San Rafael Creek and started swimming away, and then stole a paddleboard to aid his escape.

Smoak emerged from the creek about two blocks away, and police caught up to him on Belvedere Street to make the arrest.

Police booked Smoak, 41, on suspicion of theft, obstructing police and presenting false identity to police. He was also booked on the outstanding warrant, which involved allegations of vandalism and assault, according to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office’s booking log.

Smoak remained in custody on Friday at the Marin County Jail.