Watch CBS News

San Francisco Hit-And-Run Leaves Firefighter In Critical Condition

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A Cal Fire firefighter was in critical condition at San Francisco General Hospital after being run over by a car following an early morning altercation on Thanksgiving Day.

29-year-old Albert Bartal of San Francisco suffered traumatic brain injuries in the incident.

San Francisco police said that Bartal and an unidentified suspect got into an argument at a restaurant at the corner of 11th Avenue and Geary Boulevard.

Investigators said they were separated and then at around 2:45 in the morning on Thursday, Bartal was struck by the suspect, who was driving a black Mazda CX-type of SUV, at a nearby gas station.

San Francisco police have very little information on the suspect, describing him as a Latino male, 18-24 years old with short black hair and a manicured beard.

Suspect
Surveillance image of the suspect in the hit-and-run attack on a Cal Fire firefighter. (SFPD)

Firefighters who knew Bartal said this has been a very difficult time for them.

"This is a horrible experience that no fireman or police officer would ever want to have to go through," said Justin Scheef , director of the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Chapter of the CDF Firefighter's Union. "The nice thing is that everyone bands together during these times and it's one brotherhood."

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

Bartal served in Iraq with the Marine Corps and has been with Cal Fire for five years.

San Francisco police continue to investigate the incident.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.