SF church assault suspect threw 2 bombs at officers during chase, police say
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco police say the church assault suspect who led police on a pursuit to the East Bay on Sunday evening threw two bombs out of his car window at officers, according to the SFPD.
During a press conference on Monday, Assistant Police Chief David Lazar said Sunday's incident was a brazen and dangerous situation.
The incident started at approximately 5:52 p.m. on Sunday when police responded to the 600 block of Filbert Street on a report of an assault at Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach in San Francisco when the suspect 42-year-old Concord resident Daniel Garcia didn't take communion.
Police say a parishioner confronted the suspect who attacked and beat them unconscious.
Churchgoers then chase Garcia out of the building where he also allegedly brandished a knife.
When officers arrived moments later they located the suspect, who, when officers attempted to stop him, fled in a vehicle. During the San Francisco pursuit, the suspect threw at least two pipe bombs near Nob Hill and City Hall.
PREVIOUS STORY: Assault in SF leads to police pursuit, 'suspicious devices' thrown at officers, officials say
The pursuit continued onto the freeway and California Highway Patrol units took over, ultimately arresting the suspect in Martinez.
Police said the pursuit lasted about 30 minutes.
A spokesperson for CHP said the suspect didn't throw anything from their car once the highway patrol took over, but items were found inside the suspect's vehicle upon arrest.
"No incendiaries were thrown during our portion of the pursuit, however, items were located in the vehicle at the termination point," said CHP.
According to San Francisco police, there are no reports of injuries or property damage at this time.
Chief Lazar also commended the work of the responding officers calling them "heroic" for running straight into danger."
Supervisor Aaron Peskin says he plans to honor the police officers who pursued the suspect and tracked him to Martinez.
Garcia is now facing multiple charges including attempted murder and setting off an explosive with the intent to harm.
According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office, Garcia was supposed to appear in court on Tuesday for a separate domestic violence charge.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD at (415) 575-4444. Additionally, if any member of the public comes across any suspicious devices, call 911 immediately and do not approach or move the object.
Bay City News contributed to this report
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