Woman arrested for robbery and assault in Redwood City

According to a news release from Redwood City police, an East Palo Alto woman was arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and robbery.

The woman took an Uber to a shopping center at 250 Walnut Street in Redwood City shortly after noon on Thursday and, upon arrival, threatened her driver with a knife and demanded that he give her his cellphone. After he gave the woman his cellphone, she demanded money to return the phone to her.

After a brief struggle, the woman cut off the driver’s arm and fled with his money, authorities said. The woman robbed two nearby stores before leaving the area, officials learned from surveillance footage.

Police had already begun investigating the incident when they received a call from a woman reporting a disturbance at the 400 County Center in Redwood City. Upon arrival, officers found the woman matched the suspect’s description and arrested her, they said.

After the victim identified her, the woman was taken to Maguire Correctional Facility.