A shoplifter who led officers on a foot chase outside a Trader Joe’s in San Francisco was fatally struck by a passing car shortly after 7:30 a.m. Friday. The collision also hit two officers, one of whom was pinned under the vehicle; both were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Video of the chaotic scene circulated online, and local reporters identified the officers as a recruit and a field training officer. The SFPD said the incident is under investigation and expressed condolences for the suspect’s death.
Trader Joe’s Shoplifting Chase Turns Deadly: Suspect Killed, Officer Pinned Under Car
Collage of a person trapped under a car and police officers approaching two individuals lying on the ground.
A shoplifter who led San Francisco police on a foot pursuit outside the Trader Joe’s at California and Hyde Streets was fatally struck by a passing vehicle Friday morning, an incident that also pinned one officer beneath the car.
The episode unfolded shortly after 7:30 a.m., when officers responded to a reported theft at the grocery store, the San Francisco Police Department said. According to video of the scene, the suspect resisted attempts to detain him and fled into the roadway, where a vehicle struck the suspect and two pursuing officers.
A shoplifter at a Trader Joe’s in San Francisco led police on foot chase before being fatally struck by a passing car that pinned one of the cops beneath the vehicle. X/@TheKevinDalton
Footage circulating online shows a chaotic scene with the suspect and officers scattered across the street. Emergency crews transported all three to a hospital; the suspect later died of his injuries and both officers were treated for non-life-threatening wounds.
Another clip appears to show officers attempting to restrain the suspect moments before the vehicle struck them. The driver of the vehicle appears, in the available video, to have been unaware of the struggle unfolding in the roadway.
Cops attempted to detain the suspect, who resisted and led two officers on a foot chase into the street, where all three were struck by a car. X/@TheKevinDalton
Local reporting identified the officers involved as a recruit and a field training officer. The San Francisco Standard and other outlets covered the incident as authorities continued their on-scene response and initial investigation.
“We’re deeply saddened by the death of the suspect, and we are hoping that the two officers recover fully from this incident,” SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca told reporters at the scene.
The SFPD said the collision is under investigation. No additional details about the driver or potential charges were immediately released. Authorities have asked anyone with additional video or information to contact investigators.
Help us improve.
