How SFPD Caught One of the Violent Panhandle Bike Thieves

The SFPD says it has arrested one of the bike thieves who assaulted six people biking on the Panhandle in October and stole their bikes. Lieutenant Jason Sawyer of SFPD Park Station's Investigations Unit said police "have no doubt" that the juvenile male was one of the assailants who threw bottles at bike commuters and jammed sticks into their spokes late at night.

Sawyer said police caught the suspect by setting up a sting after one of the victims saw their bike on sale on Craigslist. The victim contacted police, who initiated a faux sale to arrest him. Typically, bike thieves sell the bikes to a third party first, he said.

"He was not the smartest crook," said Sawyer. "He basically committed the crime, and was right there selling the bike as well."

Police must still prove that the suspect was directly involved with the attacks, but they "have no doubt," Sawyer said. "As soon as he knew we were looking at him, all these robberies stopped. There were a rash of them within a few days -- all very violent. Nothing since."

In a blog post, the SF Bicycle Coalition gave "many thanks to the SFPD for responding swiftly to our calls, and for following through on the investigation."

"Biking on the Panhandle needs to remain safe and comfortable, serving as a busy and important connector for people biking between the Eastern and Western neighborhoods of our city," the SFBC wrote.

Sawyer said police can't release many details on the ongoing investigation, or information about the suspect, because he's a juvenile. He has been charged with possession of stolen property in the juvenile court system, but charges for the robberies haven't been brought yet since the victims haven't been able to identify their assailants. "It was dark and they were very terrified," he said.

"We know he did it; he knows that we know he did it," said Sawyer.