San Francisco Police Officers Fatally Shoot Woman Suspected Of Going On Driving Rampage
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Police in San Francisco fatally shot a woman suspected of driving away from an attempted traffic stop and drove erratically in Lower Pacific Heights Tuesday night.
Police told KPIX 5 that they attempted to pull over the woman at a gas station on Van Ness Avenue and Pine Street around 7:00 p.m., who they believed was driving a stolen car. According to a police spokesperson, the woman drove off after the officers identified themselves.
The woman drove the car toward officers and hit the gas station building before driving up Pine Street, police said. While the officers ran after her, the woman turned around and drove the wrong way on Pine and clipped several cars.
She drove onto a sidewalk, toward the officers and hit another building and several parked vehicles.
The woman again entered the roadway going the wrong way, hit more vehicles and forced a motorcyclist to abandon his motorcycle in the roadway to avoid being hit, police said.
"The officers, fearing for their safety and fearing for the safety of the community at large, discharged their firearms at the driver," said Deputy Chief Hector Sainez. "The vehicle came to a stop approximately 50 feet west of Van Ness Avenue, where the officers then approached the vehicle, secured the vehicle, and rendered aid to the driver."
Police said the driver was shot at least twice. The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No pedestrians or other drivers were injured, but a motorcyclist reportedly had to jump off his bike to avoid injury.
Investigators have not released the suspect's age or name. Since the shooting occurred on St. Patrick's Day, investigators are also looking at the possibility of alcohol being involved.
