SFPD chief and deputy chief report multiple violent incidents, cite community witnesses in arrests

The police chief told the Police Commission the department had a busy week supporting public events and responding to a string of serious incidents.

The chief described a multiunit structure fire on Page Street that displaced residents and led to an arson investigation. Arson-task-force investigators obtained a warrant and detained a suspect at a hospital, the chief said. He also reported that earlier homicide investigations resulted in a unanimous first-degree murder conviction in a case handled by homicide investigators and noted ongoing investigations in several other fatal incidents.

Deputy Chief Tabak described two recent traffic-related encounters that escalated into violent attacks, including a Mission District case where a driver drove onto a sidewalk and struck a pedestrian multiple times. Officers and civilian witnesses located the suspect and arrests were made, the deputy chief said.

The chief summarized the city's homicide pattern for the year and said some incidents involved family or domestic disputes and others involved drug-related disputes and gang activity. He credited community cooperation for helping detectives identify suspects and urged residents to report tips. Commissioners pressed the department for outreach to the LGBT and transgender communities after the discovery of a body in an area near Marin and Indiana; the chief said the department has contacted community partners and would coordinate flyers and notifications.

Commissioners requested further data, including whether victims in domestic-related homicides had prior contact with the department; the chief agreed to provide follow-up information and to coordinate with community organizations that assist victims and witnesses.