Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commendations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Francisco Police Commission honors civilians who intervened in bakery stabbing and other rescues
Summary
The Police Commission presented certificates to three civilians who helped save a 14‑year‑old stabbed at Creighton's Bakery and to a passerby who assisted an SFPD officer in a separate March arrest. The chief and supervisors praised the acts as examples of community policing.
Captain Chignell of Ingleside Station told the commission that on May 19, 2007, at about 3:50 p.m. a suspect attacked a 14‑year‑old inside Creighton's Bakery at 673 Portola Drive. Three civilians intervened: Kermit Kubitz, who was stabbed while grappling with the assailant; Jonas Svallen, who kicked the weapon away and pursued the suspect; and Dr. Sang Ick Chang, who administered emergency medical aid that likely saved the girl's life while paramedics were en route.
The commission presented certificates of appreciation to the three men. "People need to step forward," Captain Chignell said, recounting how the three acted within seconds to prevent a worse outcome. The suspect remains in custody and faces multiple charges, the captain said.
Supervisor Ellsburn (transcript reference), speaking for the neighborhood, said the board of supervisors was united in recognizing the men. Daniel Homsie, identified in the transcript as a representative of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, and Frances Shea (representing a state legislator's office) also thanked the honorees.
Kermit Kubitz accepted the recognition and thanked the San Francisco Police Department and the emergency staff at San Francisco General Hospital, singling out Dr. Bill Schechter and the trauma team for the victim's care. Dr. Chang and Mr. Svallen also spoke briefly; each expressed humility and gratitude for the recognition.
Separately, Captain James Dudley of the Central District described a March incident at Beach and Jones Streets in which Sal Alioto intervened to assist Officer Stewart Ng, tackled a suspect and helped subdue him while sustaining minor injury. The commission presented Alioto with a certificate of appreciation for his actions.
Commissioners from across the panel praised the civilian responses as exemplifying San Francisco values and community policing. "You helped your neighbor," Vice President Joe Marshall said, adding that such acts sustain officers and neighborhoods.
The presentations preceded the commission's regular business and were followed by public comments from neighborhood residents who thanked the honorees and recounted the community impact of the incidents. The commission adjourned the presentations portion and proceeded to other agenda items.
The commission did not take any formal policy action as part of the commendation presentations; the certificates are ceremonial recognitions of the individuals' actions.
What happens next: the honorees received certificates of appreciation, and commissioners noted the city's gratitude. No further formal policy or disciplinary matters were announced in relation to these recognitions.
