2 Crimes Hit Buena Vista Park

2 Crimes Hit Buena Vista ParkFlickr/alancleaver
Rose Garrett
Published on June 10, 2011
It has not been a good week for Buena Vista Park. On Tuesday evening, a man suspected by the FBI of two bank robberies was gunned down by police on Buena Vista Avenue East between Haight and Duboce. According to SF Appeal, a GPS device onboard the man's stolen vehicle allowed the FBI to trace the suspect to the area. Police then attempted to apprehend the suspect, and opened fire when he attempted to run them down.

The Examiner reports that the man, who was taken to SF General Hospital and died of his injuries, was identified as 25-year-old Joshua Smith. Smith is suspected of being the "Gen X Bandit" (so-called because of his distinctive plaid shirt and stocking cap) who robbed two Irvine banks on May 17. As if that weren't enough action, SF Appeal now reports that a partially burned body was discovered on the same block early this morning. At 4:39am, emergency crews responded to a small brush fire at Buena Vista Avenue East and Haight. While clearing the fire, an already-dead body was discovered. Police are considering the death suspicious, and homicide and arson investigators are on the case. We'll keep you posted on any developments. In the meantime, call the SFPD’s anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444 if you have any information. Hang in there, Buena Vista Park!