SFPD Involved in U-Haul Vehicle Pursuit
On Thursday, October 22, 2020, at approximately 12:04 AM, SFPD Officers saw a van (which was later discovered to be stolen) failed to yield for a pedestrian in the crosswalk on Bayshore Blvd in the Bayview District. When Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the van fled. At 12:15 AM, San Francisco Police officers were notified that officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) were in pursuit of a stolen moving van in the area of Silver and San Bruno Avenue. The van rammed into an occupied CHP patrol car and fled. CHP terminated the pursuit in the area of 16th and Mission Streets. San Francisco Police officers were in the area of Duboce and South Van Ness Avenues when they observed the van and attempted a traffic stop. The van failed to stop and sped away from officers. Officers initiated a pursuit of the van. The driver of the van led officers to the intersection of 3rd and Marin Streets where CHP officer deployed spike strips. The van drove over the spike strips causing damage to the tires. The van continued northbound on 3rd Street when it crashed into a light pole at 3rd and Mariposa Streets.
Officers approached the vehicle on foot and attempted to take the driver into custody. The driver reversed the vehicle and crashed into two unoccupied SFPD patrol vehicles. The van again fled northbound on 3rd Street and came to a stop in the area of 3rd and Channel Streets. The suspect driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect ran under the Lefty O'Doul Bridge. Officers set up a perimeter in an effort to contain the suspect from further flight. The suspect jumped into the water but was unable to stay afloat. One CHP officer and multiple SFPD officers entered the water and were able to rescue the suspect and bring him to the shoreline. Officers assessed the suspect and determined that he was not breathing and did not have a pulse.
Officers initiated CPR and summoned medics to the scene. The suspect was transported to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, the suspect was pronounced deceased. Officers located a female passenger in the van. She was detained without incident. She is being interviewed by investigators.
This is an active and ongoing investigation in its early stages by the Major Crimes Unit. 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 your text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.