SFPD Arrest Sword Slashing Suspect 19-038

On March 29, 2019 at approximately 10:00PM, San Francisco police officers responded to Fillmore Street and Oak Street regarding a stabbing.  Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 27 year-old male, Berkeley resident who had a severe cut to his left hand. San Francisco Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene, rendered aid and transported the victim to the hospital.  He has since been released from the hospital.

Officers determined that at approximately 9:50PM, the victim was near the intersection of Fillmore Street and Oak Street when he saw the suspect walking towards him. The suspect was wearing a, “Make America Great Again” hat and the victim swatted the hat from the suspect’s head. The suspect drew a sword and cut the victim’s left hand before running from the scene.  The victim and a witness initially chased the suspect until he turned and began advancing towards them.  They ended their pursuit and suspect fled the area.                                                  

Investigators and patrol officers from Northern Police Station worked diligently to identify the suspect. Upon determining his identity, officers began around the clock surveillance in the area of the suspect’s residence in an effort to locate him.

On April 3, 2019 at approximately 9:18PM, members of the Northern Station plainclothes team were conducting surveillance in the area of Eddy Street and Larkin Street when they observed the suspect inside a restaurant.  The officers took the suspect, Leor Bergland a 30 year-old male, San Francisco resident into custody without incident.   Bergland was later booked into the San Francisco County Jail on the charges of attempted murder, mayhem, aggravated assault, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and brandishing a weapon.  Due to pending identification matters, Bergland’s booking photo is not being released at this time.

While an arrest has been made, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD 24 hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.  You may remain anonymous.