A Union City man who attacked a tow-truck driver with a knife, forcing the victim to defend himself with a garbage can, has pleaded no contest to charges and was sentenced to state prison on June 22, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office.
Malik Attiba White, 40, struck the driver’s side door of a tow truck in the 1800 block of Bay Road in East Palo Alto on Dec. 4, 2015, shattering the truck’s driver-side window during a vehicle accident. White drove off and parked a block away. The tow-truck driver approached White to exchange insurance information, but White denied hitting the truck. He pulled a knife and attempted to stab the tow-truck driver, who used a garbage can to shield himself. The victim sustained cuts to his fingers, according to the DA’s office.
When police arrived, White angrily threatened to beat the officer when he gets out of jail, according to the DA’s office. On Wednesday, White pleaded no contest to one count of felony assault.
Criminal Presiding Judge Elizabeth Lee sentenced him to three years in prison with 404 days credit for time served. The case was continued to Aug. 3 for an order for restitution. White remains in custody on $5 million bail.