Upper Haight crime: Hit-and-run driver still sought, suspect bites off man's pinkie finger

Upper Haight crime: Hit-and-run driver still sought, suspect bites off man's pinkie fingerPhoto: Google Maps
Camden Avery
Published on October 10, 2018

It's time for the new edition of your Upper Haight crime recap. Without too many departures from the area's regular fare of mischief and mayhem, a few good tips for personal safety remain constant.

Reports of car break-ins continue to abound in the area, with 16 incidents reported in the last week of September alone. The SFPD reiterates its reminder to keep all valuables out of sight or out of your car altogether. Areas more heavily hit are the Upper Haight commercial corridor and the eastern end of Golden Gate Park, around the conservatory and museums.

Park Station also issued a further recommendation that area residents consider installing a home CCTV device, as an extra measure of security.

Police seek tips on life-threatening hit-and-run at Oak and Baker

On October 3, a 60-year-old man was struck in a crosswalk at Oak and Baker by a dark blue or black Toyota Prius that ran a red light. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police still have a call out for any tips on a car matching the description, likely with front-end damage. To report a tip, call (415) 575-4444.

Update, 10/11: The victim of the hit-and-run has died. He's been identified as Norman Tanner, 60, an advocate for the African-American LGBTQ community who was deeply involved with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and worked extensively on issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and addiction. 

The driver, who has been identified as a woman, allegedly got out of her car to check on Tanner before driving away from the scene. It's unclear if she was aware of the extent of his injuries; police are still investigating.

Knife-wielding suspect attempts to dismantle security camera

At 6:15 p.m. on September 30, a suspect was apprehended in the area of McAllister Street for wielding a knife and using it to remove a security camera. The suspect was apprehended and booked on an outstanding county warrant.

Aggravated assault, with force, on police officer

Around 10 a.m. on September 28, SFPD responded to "an individual swinging a knife in the air" on Cole Street. Responding officers reported "the subject appeared disoriented, and unable to make reasonable statements." In the course of a mental health detention, the subject attempted to attack one of the attending officers. They were taken to SF General Hospital, cited and released.

Suspect bites off man's pinkie finger in altercation

Shortly after midnight on September 15, at Oak and Ashbury streets, two men got into an altercation. In the course of the fight, the suspect bit off the victim's pinkie finger, and the victim was sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No arrest was made.

Burglary, malicious mischief arrest

At 8:30 a.m. on September 14, SFPD responded to a call of a burglary in progress on Ashbury Street. Police caught a suspect in the act of removing property from an apartment. When asked to leave, the suspect "became agitated" and kicked out the victim's glass front door. The suspect was arrested and booked into the county jail.

Warrant arrest for concealed weapon

SFPD responded to a call at 10 a.m. September 14th for a reported physical altercation at Haight and Ashbury. One of the subjects involved in the altercation had an active arrest warrant for carrying a concealed weapon; they were arrested and taken to Park Station.


Park Station hosts monthly community meetings every second Tuesday of the month.