FiDi & North Beach Crime: Robberies At Gunpoint, Hot Prowl Burglaries, Purse Snatchings, More

FiDi & North Beach Crime: Robberies At Gunpoint, Hot Prowl Burglaries, Purse Snatchings, MorePhoto: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline
Nathan Falstreau
Published on May 22, 2017

It's the end of the month, which means it's time for another look at crime in District 3, which includes the Financial District, North Beach, and Union Square.

Here are some of the incidents that have taken place since our last roundup. Unless otherwise noted, all reports are based on information from SFPD.

Teens robbed at gunpoint 

On May 18th, just before 3pm, two teens were robbed at gunpoint near the corner of Larkin and Bay Streets in North Beach. Two suspects—one in his 30s, the other unknown—approached the two 17-year-old teens. One suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded their property. The other suspect then grabbed one of the victim's necklaces, backpack, and jacket. Both suspects then ran and jumped into the rear of an unknown vehicle waiting nearby, fleeing the scene.

Hot prowl burglar attacks woman

A hot prowl burglary occurred on May 16th at 3:12pm on the 2000 block of Mason Street in North Beach. A woman, 59, was in her home and noticed a suspect in her early 20s inside and confronted her. The suspect then assaulted her, snatched the necklace from her neck and stole her cellphone. She then fled into an unknown car and drove off. The victim suffered minor injuries but was not transported to a hospital.

Attempted robbery fails

On May 14th at 10:45pm, a 24-year-old man was walking on the corner of Columbus Avenue and Francisco Street in North Beach. Two male suspects in their 20s walked up to him and brandished a gun demanding cash. The victim indicated to the suspects that he didn't have any money. They both fled on foot to an awaiting vehicle driven by a third, unknown suspect. They were last seen driving north bound on Columbus Avenue.

Purse snatcher flees with accomplice

A 21-year-old woman was walking on the 100 block of Maiden Lane in Union Square on May 11th at 6pm when a woman in her early 20s grabbed her purse from behind. When she turned around, the suspect was running away and another suspect, a man also in his early 20s blocked her so that she couldn't run after her belongings. The second suspect then fled on foot as well. The victim lost her purse and cash in the incident.

Robbers hold up victim at gunpoint

Just before midnight on May 10th, a 47-year-old man was standing by his car on the 400 block of Union Street in North Beach when an unknown suspect came up from behind and held him. Another unknown suspect pointed a gun at the victim while the first suspect went through his pockets, taking his belongings. The two suspects then fled on foot eastbound on Union Street. The victim lost his cellphone and wallet containing debit cards, social security card and driver's license.

Hot prowler steals house key 

On May 11th, 3:45am, another hot prowl burglary occurred in North Beach on the 600 block of Francisco Street. The victims, a woman, 72, and a man, 75, heard a noise and saw a male suspect in his 40s in their home. The woman confronted the suspect, but he fled the house with the victim's front door key.

Shoplifter arrested

On May 8th, just before 11pm, a 30-year-old woman entered a store on the 300 block of Bay Street and attempted to shoplift groceries. As she headed for the exit, a 37-year-old man confronted her and a struggle ensued. He was able to detain her until officers arrived at the scene to take her into custody. The t groceries were recovered.