San Francisco Police Arrest Suspect in Robbery; Aggravated Assault of Grant Avenue Merchant 21-096

On May 15, 2021 at approximately 12:00 p.m., a merchant on the 900 block of Grant Avenue was assaulted when she attempted to stop a suspect from stealing several smart phone cases.  The suspect struck the victim, a 44-year-old female, in the face and fled the scene.

Later in the day, at approximately 5:40 p.m., the same suspect returned to the shop and sprayed the victim with something that caused irritation to her eyes and face.  The suspect fled.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment and has since been released.

In response to these incidents, Central Police Station increased patrols in the area including foot beat officers and the Department’s Community Liaison Unit (CLU) was notified.  The Central Station Investigation Team (SIT) took over the investigation. 

On May 18, 2021, Central Station officers were assisting in the follow up investigation.  While reviewing surveillance video, the officers saw images of the suspect and recognized him as a resident of the neighborhood.  

The officers went to the suspect’s residence where they met him and his parent.  The officers placed the 16-year-old male, San Francisco resident under arrest and later admitted him to the Juvenile Justice Center on the charges of robbery (211 PC), assault with a caustic chemical (244 PC), theft (490.2(a) PC), and battery (242 PC).

While an arrest has been made, this remains an open investigation.  Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.