A man was shot and killed by San Francisco police early Friday morning after being involved in a series of dangerous hit-and-run incidents. The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. near Union Square, just hours after the suspect allegedly struck two pedestrians and a man on an electric scooter.
The suspect, later identified as a security guard for a Dior store in the area, was reportedly involved in reckless driving the previous evening. Police were called around 6:00 p.m. on Thursday when they received reports of a vehicle driving erratically on the sidewalk at Kearny and Post Streets. Witnesses said the vehicle hit two pedestrians, a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman, who had just left a nearby restaurant.
The suspect continued driving, striking a man on an electric scooter near Kearny and Sutter Streets. After hitting the scooter, the victim jumped off and fled on foot. Police say they are still searching for the scooter rider and believe he is a Hispanic male in his 20s. Investigators also found that the suspect had tried to steal the e-scooter but was unsuccessful. He took some of the victim’s belongings before fleeing the scene.
The two pedestrians were treated at the scene and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. One witness, Kevin McWilliams, said, “I’m glad I’m alive. In San Francisco, you’ve got to watch your back, especially after 5 o’clock.”
Following the hit-and-run, officers launched an investigation and identified the suspect. The vehicle, which was connected to the security guard, was found at Post and Grant Avenue. At 1:38 a.m., police located the suspect standing near the Dior store. They attempted to approach and arrest him, but during the encounter, police fired shots, fatally injuring the suspect.
Police later confirmed they found a firearm at the scene, though it is unclear whether the suspect was armed when he was confronted. The shooting is under investigation by the District Attorney’s Office, the police department’s internal affairs division, and other agencies. A town hall meeting about the incident is expected to be held in the coming days.
The incident has sparked concern, particularly in Union Square, which is a major tourist destination. Many people in the area, including nearby business owners and shoppers, expressed fear and sadness over the shooting, especially during the holiday season. “It’s sad that it’s happened during the holidays, where we should all be happy and festive. Instead, you have this tragedy,” said one shopper, Michael Valmonte.
Outgoing Mayor London Breed addressed the shooting and reassured the public, emphasizing that downtown remains safe. She pointed to increased police presence in the area, particularly during the holiday season, as an effort to maintain safety.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact them. Witnesses or victims who have not yet come forward are encouraged to call the police at 415-575-4444 or send a tip by texting TIP411 with the message starting with SFPD.
