Trial Reset for Family Members in Brawl With Police

A judge has reset the trial start date for four family members who were arrested in connection with a Fourth of July donnybrook that took place with police officers in 2011, the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday.

The defense attorneys for the family members filed a motion to delay the start of the trial to allow for further discovery about some additional police reports related to the use of a Taser during the melee.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Craig Parsons granted the motion and ordered that the trial now begin on Jan. 14.

Ephraim Rapada, his son Wendell Rapada, and cousins Ervin Rapada and Crystal Rapada, 28 all face felony charges of battery and resisting arrest stemming from a slugfest with patrol officers last year that allegedly began when someone in an East Avenue apartment tossed an M-1000 firecracker that landed under a patrol car.

Police say Wendell Rapada ran from the scene; they chased him to his apartment, where he resisted arrest, punching and fighting. Six family members emerged, allegedly punching and kicking the officers. One attempted to throw one of the officers off the balcony, police said.

The ensuing brawl left one officer with a concussion and two others with black eyes and multiple bruises, according to the district attorney's office.

Wendell Rapada is also facing a parole violation stemming from a 2010 incident in which he was illegally in possession of a firearm, according to the district attorney's office.

All of the Rapadas, except for Wendell Rapada, remain out of custody.

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