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A homeless man was charged with two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon for an attack on two patrons at Saint Frank Coffee in Menlo Park.
Jose Hernandez Lopez, 48, was charged for an attack on Monday, June 3, at the coffee shop, located at 1018 Alma St. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office alleges he took a metal pipe out of his backpack and swung it at two customers, missing one’s face by less than a foot, after muttering and cursing in Spanish.
Saint Frank Coffee owner Kevin Bohlin told The Almanac that employees were preoccupied and did not see the incident.
According to the DA’s office, Lopez is homeless, frequents the area, and has mental health issues.
Officers found Lopez carrying metal pipes nearby after a victim called 911. Lopez kicked an officer in the leg; the officer was not injured, according to the DA’s office.
Lopez faces two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, each carrying a maximum sentence of four years, and one count of misdemeanor battery on a police officer.
Before his arraignment on Tuesday, Lopez refused to leave the jail. A court appointed defender entered a plea of not guilty for all three counts on his behalf. His bail was set at $25,000 and he remains in custody.
