FiDi/North Beach crime: Teen steals restaurant's alcohol; man shot in attempted necklace theft; morePhoto: Braden Collum/Unsplash
Nathan Falstreau
Published on September 24, 2019

Here are some notable crime incidents 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 steals coat, sweatshirt from business

On Sept. 22 at 10 a.m., a male suspect, 50-60, stole clothing from a business on the 100 block of Powell Street (at Ellis) in Union Square.

According to a police report, the suspect entered the store and grabbed a coat and sweatshirt. A 26-year-old woman tried to stop the man, who then fled the scene. The woman began to follow the suspect, but ultimately retreated when he told her that he had a knife. No arrest has been made in connection to the incident. 

Teen arrested for stealing booze, smashing restaurant door

On Sept. 22 at 5:17 a.m., a 17-year-old girl was arrested for robbing a restaurant on the 400 block of Jefferson Street (at Leavenworth) in Fisherman's Wharf.

An employee inside the restaurant spotted the girl taking two bottles of alcohol. Police say she then "smashed" the front door and fled the scene. Officers in the area were able to locate the suspect and take her into custody. 

Man robbed at gunpoint in early morning

A 29-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint on Sept. 22 at 3:30 a.m., near the intersection of Broadway and Kearny streets in North Beach. 

The male suspect, 20-30, held the victim at gunpoint and demanded he give up his personal belongings. The victim handed over his bag, and the suspect fled the scene. No injuries or arrests were reported. 

Man shot during attempted robbery

On Sept. 21 at 2:58 a.m., a 56-year-old man was shot in an attempted robbery near the corner of Geary and Taylor streets in Lower Nob Hill.

The incident began when a suspect of unknown age tried to take the victim's chain and he "resisted," according to police. The suspect then shot the victim with a handgun. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. 

2 women rob man at gunpoint

Two women robbed a man at gunpoint on the 200 block of Columbus Avenue (at Pacific Avenue) in North Beach, on Sept. 20 at 2 a.m.

According to reports, the suspects, 25-30, approached the victim, 22. One of the suspects grabbed his wrist and pulled off his watch; when the victim gave chase, she pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. The suspects then fled in a small black SUV. No injuries were reported. 

4 suspects rob, attack victim at gunpoint

On Sept. 18 at 9:05 p.m., four unknown male suspects robbed a 32-year-old man at gunpoint in Chinatown's Portsmouth Square (Kearny and Clay streets).

Approaching the victim, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and took the victim's cash. All four men then attacked the victim, before fleeing the scene in an unknown vehicle. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. 

Woman robbed of cash at gunpoint

In Nob Hill, a man robbed a woman at gunpoint on the 1100 block of Jackson Street (at Taylor) on Sept. 18 at 6 a.m.

According to police, the suspect, 30-40, approached the victim, 26, from behind and pointed a gun at her. He demanded she hand over her belongings, and "fearing for her life," the victim complied, turning over her cellphone and cash (both U.S. and foreign). No arrests have been made in connection to the incident. 

13-year-olds arrested for robbery

On Sept. 17 at 7:15 p.m., two male teens, 13, robbed a 34-year-old woman near the corner of Market and Beale streets in the FiDi.

The two suspects shoved the victim to the ground and took her cellphone. Officers in the area arrived and were able to take one of the suspects into custody. No injuries were reported. 

Officers extinguish trash fire

On Sept. 17 at midnight, officers responded to reports of a trash fire at Geary and Stockton streets in Union Square. The San Francisco Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. No suspect information was available. 


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.