Charges Dropped Against 1 In Suspected Drug Deal: Records

SAN RAFAEL, CA – Two men were arrested Tuesday after an alleged drug deal went awry, police said, when funny money reportedly was proffered, pepper spray was used and a knife was pulled in a San Rafael parking lot. All charges against one of the two, however, were dismissed, according to Marin County records.

At about 6:15 p.m, an officer was flagged down by a citizen, who pointed to two males physically fighting in a vehicle at Third and Lindaro streets, the San Rafael Police Department said.

The vehicle's door was slightly ajar, so the officer opened the door and ordered the pair, later identified as a male, 19 of San Rafael, and Hadrian Rowden, 20 of La Honda, to stop brawling and detained both, police said.

Police initially said the duo met in the parking lot allegedly to conduct a drug transaction that spiraled into a fight after the suspected buyer from San Rafael, and Rowden, the suspected seller, disagreed over the payment, and pepper spray and a knife were brought into the mix, the department said.

The DA's Office, however, declined to file any charges against the San Rafael male, with a relative adding he was the actual robbery victim and acting in self-defense.

Rowden, meanwhile, was arrested for suspected assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drugs for sale, police said. The Marin Independent Journal reported that he was free from jail pending an arraignment date.

The Marin County District Attorney's Office could not be reached Friday for comment.

Neither suspect was stabbed nor required medical attention in the incident, police said.

Note: This story was updated with the latest decision from the Marin County DA.

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