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Menlo Park Man Arrested After Alleged Arson Attempt and Crash at Saratoga Winery

Authorities report pending jail booking on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon plus resisting arrest.

Overview

  • Deputies responded Saturday to Garrod Farms Estate Winery in Saratoga after reports that a man tried to start a fire.
  • After staff confronted him, the suspect allegedly threw a wine bottle, fled in a Tesla, and intentionally struck two parked cars, pushing one over an embankment.
  • He then drove his Tesla down the embankment and barricaded himself in the vehicle while refusing to surrender despite several de‑escalation attempts.
  • Deputies used pepperball rounds and pepper spray to force him out, arrested him, and transported him to a hospital for evaluation.
  • The Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 42-year-old Beri Vikram of Menlo Park, said booking is planned on assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, and local jail records on Tuesday did not list him.