Since our last crime and safety recap, the number of reported incidents in the Castro seems to have slowed down. However, we have an update on some of the more major incidents, including February's serious assault on two Duboce Triangle residents, issues at the Sanchez Street fire station, and more. All reports come via the SFPD, unless otherwise noted.
Duboce Couple Assault Update
We broke the news of the February 23rd incident in which married Duboce Triangle residents Mary Artist and Dean Ayers were attacked by four young men who threatened to rape Artist. The couple were both hospitalized, Ayers with a broken leg and Artist with a serious head injury sustained after she was punched and knocked to the ground.
Since the incident, the community has helped support the couple through a GoFundMe page, which has raised more than $30,000. A recent update mentions that both are slowly recovering from their injuries. However, Ayers still cannot walk and Artist will not be able to return to work for some time, so donations are still being sought. The couple have been in communication with the SFPD, which may have helped identify a "solid lead" in the case.
District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener visited the couple at home this week, telling them their case is a high priority. "He has assigned one of his aides to help them sort through any hassles with Victims of Violent Crime and Kaiser," says the update. "He also listened to suggestions about how to improve the safety of the neighborhood, and pledged to stay in contact with Mary and Dean until their situation is resolved."
Thief Caught Sleeping In Stolen Car
The Bay Area Reporter published a story about a February 24th incident that led to a car thief's arrest. The thief, who police describe as having a long history of crime, stole a Prius from Diamond and 18th on February 23rd, and after driving it elsewhere, eventually fell asleep inside the stolen vehicle. Thanks to a location app, the owner and SFPD were able to find the vehicle and arrest the man.
Fire Station #6 Theft And Fire Incidents
Two incidents occurred at the #6 SFFD Station, located at 135 Sanchez St.
The first happened between February 25th and 26th, when an engine company left the firehouse for a run. They noticed that items were missing from an engine, and though they later found some of them on a nearby fence, others remained missing. No suspect has been identified.
The second incident happened on March 9th at 11:50am. Anonymous citizens told a fire station employee that a man, 30, had run out of the fire station with items. The fire station employee chased and caught the suspect, retrieving the items and calling the police. The suspect was arrested.
18th & Castro Robbery
On March 6th at 11:00pm, a man, 24, was leaving a bar near 18th and Castro when another man, 20-30, asked to borrow his phone. The victim complied, but when he asked for his phone back, the other man said he no longer had it. Both men began fighting over the phone, and another male suspect, 20-30, joined in the fight. The victim was punched and kicked multiple times before both suspects fled with his phone. No arrest was made and the victim had lacerations to his face, elbow, forehead, and hip.
Citibank Swarmed By SFPD
Hoodline reported on police activity at the 444 Castro Citibank on March 16th. Officers swarmed the bank as bystanders looked to see what was going on. Fortunately, SFPD told us that the incident ended up being a false alarm.
Public Masturbator Assaulted By Crowbar
This past Sunday, March 20th, a man, 21, was masturbating in public near Market and Church around 11:55am. Another man, 35, witnessed the incident and angrily approached the younger man, leading to a verbal and then physical altercation. The older man struck the younger man over the head with a metal crowbar, causing the victim to lose consciousness. No arrest was made, and the younger man was transported to the hospital for injuries to his head.
Did we miss any recent crimes around the neighborhood? Let us know in the comments below. If you've got info on a crime or neighborhood safety issue to share, send us a tip here, or via Facebook or Twitter.
