Hit-And-Run Suspect Who Critically Injured SFPD Officer In Custody
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A suspect who critically injured a San Francisco police officer Wednesday afternoon when he struck the officer with an SUV before fleeing the scene has been taken into custody, according to authorities.
During a press conference at about 4:40 p.m., acting San Francisco Police Chief Toney Chaplin announced suspect was taken into custody on the 500 block of Ellis Street just over an hour earlier.
The incident happened mid-block on Turk Street between Franklin and Van Ness at about 12:21 p.m.
During an earlier press briefing, Chaplin confirmed that two officers from the Tenderloin Station were conducting an investigation and observed a suspect in a vehicle who they believed to be in possession of a firearm.
According to Chaplin, the suspect struck the officer, who was part of the Tenderloin Station's bicycle beat, and then fled the scene.
Police and San Francisco Fire Department units responded to the scene. The officer was quickly transported to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital by ambulance.
"He sustained significant injuries," Chaplin said.
As of early Wednesday evening, the officer, who has been with the department for four years, was recovering in the intensive care unit. He was still in critical condition.
He also thanked San Francisco Fire and Zuckerberg General staff for the help they gave the officer.
Video taken at the scene appeared to show a bicycle down where the incident happened. That bicycle appeared to have damage to the front wheel. A Budget rental truck and a U.S. Mail delivery truck were also parked at the scene.
After the initial report, authorities said they were looking for the suspect vehicle, a tan Lexus SUV.
Police said after the suspect struck the police officer on Turk Street, he led them on a chase to the Haight. The suspect abandoned the vehicle on Fell Street next to the Panhandle and ran away.
There was visible damage to the front right fender of the SUV and the car did not have a front license plate.
San Francisco Police tweeted at about 1:30 p.m. for residents to shelter in place in the area of Buena Vista Park due to police activity.
Police later confirmed that the police activity in Buena Vista Park was for the suspect search.
Officers on foot and on motorcycles combed the park trying to track him down. He was eventually taken into custody in the Tenderloin. So far, police have not identified the suspect.
