Man accused of vandalizing, slashing tires on 20+ vehicles in SF Richmond District
SAN FRANCISCO – Police in San Francisco arrested a man in the city's Richmond District Tuesday night who is suspected of vandalizing at least 20 vehicles.
Shortly before 9 p.m., officers were called to the area of 12th Avenue and Anza Street following reports of a suspect who slashed tires. Police quickly found a person matching the suspect description and detained him.
As officers searched the area, they found more than 20 vehicles that were vandalized. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Osiel Torres of San Francisco, was booked on 22 counts of felony vandalism.
The incident, described as both random and disturbing, left long-time resident Victoria Gordon shaken. Gordon, who has lived in the area for over 50 years, expressed her distress as tow trucks worked to remove the vandalized cars near 12th and Anza.
"It's horrible because I live very close by. I live on 14th between Getty and Anza, and it's very active," she said.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, discovered the incident through a police report left on her car's windshield.
Gordon voiced concerns about the changing nature of the neighborhood, citing instances of graffiti and uncleanliness. She mentioned reporting such issues to the city's 311 service.
"Now you see people on Getty Blvd who are not clean. Many times, they draw graffiti on the mailboxes, and I call 311," she explained.
The incident has also sparked discussion online, with residents sharing their concerns on platforms like Reddit. A post titled "Residents of quiet S.F. neighborhood (Richmond) say they're 'traumatized' by break-ins and rising crime" has garnered significant attention.
Despite the unsettling turn of events, Gordon remains hopeful and encourages her neighbors to come together in the face of adversity.
"I just think that sometimes when things get dirty, you clean it up, but San Francisco is a beautiful place," she concluded.
According to jail records, Osiel is being held without bail. It was not known when he would appear in court on the charges.
