Castro Crime: Robbery/Abduction, Police Seek Info In Twin Peaks Murder, More

Castro Crime: Robbery/Abduction, Police Seek Info In Twin Peaks Murder, MorePhoto: Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr
Brian Ray
Published on July 24, 2017

Here's an overview of notable incidents reported around the Castro since our last crime roundup.

All reports come from the SFPD's daily crime recaps, unless otherwise noted.

Man Robs Another At ATM, Flees In Taxi

On July 23rd at 2:21am, a robbery occurred near Market and Noe when a 25-year-old man at an ATM was approached by an older man, 35-40.

The assailant allegedly simulated a handgun in his jacket and demanded the victim's money. The victim complied and the suspect then fled into a yellow taxi. No arrest was made.

Robbers Abduct Man, Later Steal His Vehicle

Early in the morning at 1:30am on July 23rd, a 29-year-old man was walking near 17th and Noe when a vehicle approached with two suspects, a man and woman, both 25-30. The woman demanded money.

When the victim refused, the man got out of the vehicle and forced him into their car, driving him to an ATM. The victim still refused and the suspects then demanded the items in his pockets. The victim exited the vehicle and the suspects fled with his money, phone, and keys, discovering later that his truck had been stolen. No arrests were made.

Police Seek Assistance After Twin Peaks Homicide

On the morning of July 16th, local photographer Edward French, 71, was killed by two suspects, a young man and woman, who approached him around 7:50am and shot him before stealing his camera.

According to an SFPD update, the suspects are described as a black male 20-25 years old, 5’11”, 170lbs with shoulder-length dreads; and a black female, 17-18 years old, 5’3”, 120lbs. The escape vehicle is described as a dark grey Honda Accord with rear-end damage.

Investigators request the public's assistance in obtaining relevant photos or videos. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

The Chronicle reported that District 7 Supervisor Norman Yee is calling for increased security cameras to cut down on crime in the Twin Peaks area.

“I think that crime at Twin Peaks is something that the whole city needs to pay attention to,” Yee said last week. “The locals up there understand that it’s not as safe as it used to be and you have to be careful.”

Douglass Hot Prowl

On the morning of July 16th between 3-10am, a woman, 40, was the victim of a hot prowl near 17th and Douglass. While she had locked her home before going to sleep, she awoke to find the front door open and items missing, including a camera and laptop. No suspect was identified.

Neighbor's Help Leads To Hot Prowler Arrest

On July 12th, a witness saw a 31-year-old woman enter their neighbor's unlocked garage near Romain and Market. The witness then saw the suspect exit with a piece of luggage. SFPD units soon located and arrested them nearby.

Market & Dolores Business Robbed

A 30-year-old man entered a business located near Market and Dolores on July 12th at 12:20pm and handed a note to an employee demanding money. When the employee complied, the suspect took the money and fled on foot. No arrest was made.

Two Teens Rob Another Near Dolores Park

On July 11th at 11am, a 17-year-old man was standing near 18th and Dolores when two men, both 18, approached and demanded the younger man's property. One suspect stole the victim's headphones before both older men fled on bicycles. No arrest was made.

Did we miss any notable crimes around the neighborhood? Send us a tip here or add a comment below. Text Hoodline at (415) 200-3233 if you see an incident, and we’ll see what we can find out.