Assault in SF leads to police pursuit, 'suspicious devices' thrown at officers, officials say

Monday, October 30, 2023

'Suspicious devices' thrown at police during pursuit, officials say

An assault suspect led police on a pursuit in SF and reportedly tossed "suspicious devices" out of their vehicle along the way, police said.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A dangerous police chase took place across the Bay Bridge and into the East Bay, and it all started when a man walked into one of San Francisco's most well-known churches.

ABC7 News spoke to the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church in SF, right next to Washington Square Park in North Beach.

He said an unknown man was spotted before service and took communion but then allegedly assaulted one of the parishioners and was chased out of the church.

At approximately 5:52 p.m., police responded to the 600 block of Filbert Street on a report of an assault. Police located the suspect, who, when officers attempted to stop him, fled in a vehicle. During the San Francisco pursuit, the suspect threw an unknown object out of the car window at officers. Police said that the suspect tossed "suspicious devices" out of the vehicle, including in the area of 8th and Mission streets in San Francisco.

The pursuit continued onto the freeway and California Highway Patrol units took over, ultimately arresting the suspect in Martinez.

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," CHP said.

According to San Francisco police, there are no reports of injuries or property damage at this time.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the area of 8th and Mission streets and the 1500 block of Jones Street.

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.

Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.