
San Francisco faces an ongoing battle with auto burglaries, but the recent case of Josef Atchan might shift how these crimes are handled. Atchan, 28, stands accused of several felonies, including auto burglary and hit-and-runs in the Richmond District, detailed in charges brought forth by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. As reported by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Atchan's arraignment occurred yesterday, and he pleaded not guilty despite facing accusations ranging from unlawful entry of a vehicle to resisting arrest.
SB 905, a legislative tool spearheaded by Senator Wiener, has been Jenkins's focal point; the new law addresses the so-called 'locked door loophole' and is poised to provide prosecutors with additional legal leverage. The District Attorney praised the San Francisco Police for their swift action, capturing Atchan, who, at the time of arrest, possessed burglary tools and stolen property, all while he lacked the legal right to drive. The arrest was not just about the criminality but the symbol of law enforcement's dedication and efficacy.
After the alleged incident, which involved a rental car burglary last Friday and multiple subsequent hit-and-runs, Atchan was mandated to undergo drug treatment and to attend case management sessions frequently. He was explicitly instructed not to operate a vehicle without a valid license. His next court appearance is set for January 28.