Department News and Updates

On May 16, 2012 at approximately 12:30 AM, San Francisco Police officers responded to a gas station located on the 1500 blk of Van Ness on a report of a person wielding a hand gun. According to victim testimony, the victim approached the suspect and asked if he needed help with his vehicle. The suspect then told the victim to get away from him or he would shoot him with both guns. The victim proceeded to walk away, at which time the suspect then began to follow the victim. The victim turned around only to find that the suspect had brandished a hand gun and told him that he would kill him. Fearful for his life, the victim then ran from the suspect and notified the police. The suspect was described as a white male wearing a blue jean jacket, gray t-shirt, and blue jeans who had just exited a silver vehicle.

Upon arrival, the first responding officer observed a male matching the description talking to a gas station attendant. Believing that the suspect was armed, the officer drew his hand gun, pointed it at the suspect and told the suspect to get on the ground. The suspect continued to walk away from the officer while placing his hand in the left front pocket of his blue jean jacket. The officer verbally commanded the suspect to take his hand out of his pocket and to get on the ground. It was at this time when the suspect turned and began walking towards the officer. The officer gave a third verbal warning to stop walking towards him and to get on the ground. The suspect then complied with the officer. A sergeant shortly arrived on scene and assisted in placing the suspect in handcuffs.

Upon searching the suspect, the officers recovered a loaded black semi-automatic hand gun from inside the suspects left blue jean jacket. Officer(s) also searched his vehicle and recovered a silver revolver and a large bowie knife located in the back seat of the suspect’s vehicle.

The suspect arrested is identified as Michael Wright, 55, of San Francisco. Wright was charged with possession of carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, aggravated assault with a gun, and a traffic violation.

Police Chief Greg Suhr has made the reduction of violent crime and gun related crimes one of the Department’s priorities. Attached is the photo of the hand guns recovered from the suspect.