Chowchilla officer stops man with knife waiting outside police station

Sunday, March 17, 2019
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Chowchilla police officer stopped a man with a knife waiting to "ambush" law enforcement, according to authorities.

Police say 47-year-old Paul Clingham was seen on surveillance video circling the department on his bike early Sunday morning. He was allegedly armed with a large knife.
[Ads /]
When one of the officers went outside, they found Clingham's bicycle near a patrol car that authorities believe was put there as a distraction.

After a quick scan of the area, that officer then found Clingham hiding in a corner where he was arrested. Police say Clingham had methamphetamine on him.
[Ads /]
Chowchilla Police say the suspect had an active warrant out of Kansas for attempted murder.

Officers say Clingham told them the warrant was because he stabbed a correctional officer in that state.

Clingham was arrested and booked into the Madera County jail on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
Copyright © 2024 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.