SFPD Makes Arrest After Being Assaulted From Behind

On Monday, September 5, 2016 approximately 5:46 PM, an assault occurred at the intersection of 5th and Mission Street. The officer, an adult male who was riding a bicycle, suffered a head injury after being struck with a skateboard.

The suspect, Vera Rideout, a 21 year-old, San Francisco resident was riding a skateboard northbound on 5th Street from Mission Street when she jumped off her skateboard, approached the officer from behind and, with a two handed grasp, swung the skateboard striking the officer across the back of his head. The officer was knocked off balance but was able to prevent himself from falling to the ground. The officer dismounted his bicycle and apprehended Rideout who challenged him to fight as he took her into custody.

The officer’s helmet was found to have cracked in several places and it is believed that the helmet prevented him from suffering severe injury. The officer was on-duty and in full uniform when he was attacked. He was later treated and released.

Rideout was booked for assault with a deadly weapon, threats against an officer and possession of a controlled substance.

SFPD Southern Station Investigators are seeking the assistance of the public in providing any cell phone video that may have been captured during the assault. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southern Station Investigation Team (SIT) during business hours at 415-575-6000, anonymously at the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or Text-a-tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.