SFPD Seeks Help Indentifying Suspect in Pedestrian Hit and Run

The San Francisco Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying a suspect from an alarming hit and run incident from early August, when a vehicle slammed into a pedestrian and carried him on the hood of the car, before fleeing the scene.

The victim, a 23 year old San Francisco man, was struck on Wednesday, August 4th, at 10:45 pm by a motorist traveling southbound on Van Ness Avenue at Broadway Street. According to the SFPD, the vehicle continued southbound on Van Ness with the pedestrian on the hood, dropping him at Pacific Avenue and fleeing westbound on Pacific toward Franklin Street.

The victim was transported to San Francisco General Hospital with life threatening injuries. The SFPD wouldn't release more information on the man, but affirmed that he survived the crash.

According to witnesses, the suspect drove a 2000 to 2005 black BMW 323 sedan with dark tinted windows. The SFPD advise that the vehicle may have noticeable damage to the front end or windshield area resulting from the collision. Auto repair shops are asked to contact police if anyone brings in a vehicle matching the description with front end or windshield damage.

Walk SF's executive director Elizabeth Stampe was horrified by the details of the incident and concerned with the delay between the incident and the SFPD's request for help.

"San Francisco has the potential to be a great walking city, but horrifying stories like this are too common," she said. "Our city is the most dangerous city in the state for pedestrians. We need better enforcement and better design to make our streets safer. We can't afford to wait."

Asked why it took so long to seek the public's help with this case, SFPD spokesperson Officer Albie Esparza said it was routine for an investigation like this. "When we don't have leads, no new information," said Officer Esparza, the SFPD seeks more information from the public through the media.

Police investigators are asking for any additional witnesses or for anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact the Hit & Run detail at (415) 553-1641, text a tip to TIP 411 or to the confidential tip line at (415) 575-4444.