SFPD Arrest Vandalism & Road Rage Suspect

On Friday, August 28, 2015, a video captured a road rage/vandalism incident in the area of Marina Blvd. and Lyon St. involving bicyclists from the Critical Mass event and a Zip Car driver. In the video, it appears certain cyclists cross Marina Blvd. into oncoming traffic directly into the path of a dark blue vehicle. The vehicle is then forced to stop as the cyclist blocks the path using his bicycle. As the vehicle attempts to leave the area, the cyclist uses a U-Lock to strike the vehicle several times, causing approximately $2,000 worth of damage. A crime alert was issued by Northern police station for officers to locate the suspect for further investigation.

On Saturday, September 6, 2015, officers assigned to Bayview Station were on bicycle uniformed patrol in the area of 3rd and Terry A. Francois Streets for a music concert. While in the area along McCovey Cove, officers observed a male matching the description from the above incident. Officers also observed the bicycle in the man’s possession closely resembled the bicycle seen in the video. The individual was detained and transported to Southern Police Station for further investigation.

Based on evidence gathered, investigators determined this individual to be the suspect in the video. Ian Hespelt, 39 years old, resident of San Francisco, was arrested and booked at Southern Station for the following felony charges: 236 PC – false imprisonment, 245(a)(1) PC – assault with a deadly weapon, 594(b)(1) PC – vandalism, and 23110(b) CVC – maliciously and willfully throwing a substance at a vehicle. Hespelt was also booked on a misdemeanor charge of 404.6 PC for inciting a riot.

Although an arrest has been made, anyone with additional information or video is encouraged to contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or Text A Tip to TIP411 and include “SFPD” at the beginning of the message.