Recently-Arrested Man Briefly Evades Custody In San Mateo

SAN MATEO, CA — A man who was arrested last week in the Peninsula following a pursuit briefly evaded custody on Sunday while being taken to a local hospital, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

According to the sheriff's office, Michael Robillard, 43, fled on foot as he was being led into San Mateo Medical Center for a routine treatment. He was found near the Caltrain right-of-way on El Camino Real and 36th Avenue in San Mateo a half hour later, after reports that he was seen in a backyard and took someone's car keys, the sheriff's office said.

Robillard was booked back into the county jail and may face additional charges related to the incident.

On May 18, San Mateo police arrested Robillard on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, but not before police said he crashed the vehicle, jumped into the pond of an apartment complex and threatened officers.

The arrest took place at the Schooner Bay condominium complex in Foster City after sped from officers who spotted him in the stolen vehicle at Bridgepointe Shopping Center in San Mateo, according to police.

Robillard also had an outstanding felony warrant for multiple robberies in Alameda County and a parolee at large warrant for first degree robbery, police said.

Police said that Robillard crashed into a tree after entering the apartment complex, fled on foot and then jumped into a waist-deep pond. He then threatened to stab or shoot officers, according to police. After he threatened to harm himself, police said crisis negotiators spent 90 minutes talking to him before he was safely taken into custody.

Bay City News contributed to this report.