FiDi/North Beach crime: Man knocked unconscious, drive-by purse snatching; teen arrested, more

FiDi/North Beach crime: Man knocked unconscious, drive-by purse snatching; teen arrested, morePhoto: Dave Glass/Flickr
Nathan Falstreau
Published on April 19, 2019

Here are some notable incidents that have taken place in SFPD's Central District since our last biweekly recap. The district encompasses Chinatown; the Financial District; the Embarcadero; Russian, Telegraph and Nob Hills; North Beach and Union Square.

Man knocked unconscious by 2 women outside apartment

On April 4 at 6:30 p.m. on the 700 block of Post Street in Lower Nob Hill, two women in their early 20s assaulted a 30-year-old man. 

According to police reports, the suspects assaulted the victim while he was standing outside of his apartment. The man lost consciousness and was later transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening condition. The suspects fled the scene in a sedan-type vehicle. 

Teen girl arrested for robbery

A 15-year-old girl was arrested for robbery near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Jones Street in Nob Hill at 10:39 p.m. on April 12. 

The suspect approached a 66-year-old woman and struck her in the head. She then took the woman's cell phone and wallet containing cash before fleeing on foot. Officers searched the area and were able to locate the suspect and take her into custody. No injuries were reported in the incident. 

Drive-by purse snatching

A 50-year-old woman was robbed near the intersection of Leavenworth and Lombard streets in Russian Hill at 8:18 p.m. on April 12.

A male suspect in his early 20s pulled up to the victim in a black BMW and grabbed her purse. He then fled the scene in the car with her belongings. 

Man attacked and robbed at cafe

On April 11 at 1:50 p.m. on the corner of Sutter and Leavenworth streets in Lower Nob Hill, two male suspects, 18-20, robbed a 30-year-old man at a cafe.

According to reports, as the victim sat down for coffee, one of the suspects punched him in the face and took his laptop. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. 

Unknown suspect lights fire in the FiDi

Police responded to calls of a small fire near Leidsdorff and Sacramento streets in the FiDi on April 10 at 4:10 a.m. 

An unknown suspect allegedly lit a piece of cardboard on fire and then fled the scene. Police reported that no victims were involved and no "major structural damage" to area buildings occurred. 

Victim detains hot prowler until cops arrive

A hot prowl burglar was arrested on the 800 block of Green Street in Russian Hill on April 7.

The suspect, a 28-year-old man, entered a 38-year-old man's home just after 11 p.m. The victim confronted the suspect and detained him until officers could arrive and take him into custody. No injuries were reported in the incident. 

Suspect snatches victim's phone, pushes her to the ground

A 31-year-old woman was robbed on the 1200 block of Taylor Street in Nob Hill on April 6 at 7:35 p.m.

A male suspect, 25-30, grabbed the victim's cell phone and pushed her to the ground. He then fled the scene with her mobile device. No injuries were reported in the incident. 

Hot prowler nabs laptop while victim was asleep

A 67-year-old man was sleeping in his home on the 1100 block of California Street in Nob Hill when an unknown suspect entered his unit. 

The incident occurred sometime between April 5 at 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. on April 6. The suspect took a laptop from an office on the second floor. Damage to the building's doorknobs were reported in the incident. 

Man injured in early morning attack

Finally, on April 6 at 2:42 a.m., a 55-year-old man was attacked by a man in his 40s on the 500 block of California Street in the FiDi.

According to police, the suspect attacked the victim from behind and then punched him in the face. The victim was injured during the incident and transported to an area hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. 


Anyone who has information about any of these incidents is encouraged to contact SFPD via the department's anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444, or text TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message.

Here’s why we usually don’t include suspect descriptions in crime reports.