A suspected shoplifter died and two San Francisco police officers were injured.
A suspected shoplifter died and two police officers were injured after an SUV struck all three during a foot pursuit outside a Trader Joe’s store in San Francisco, authorities said.
The incident unfolded Friday morning in the city’s Nob Hill neighborhood and is now the focus of multiple investigations as officials work to determine exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal collision.
Police said officers were called to the Trader Joe’s located near California and Hyde streets shortly after 7:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a theft. The grocery store was closed at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, though the company later confirmed he was a former employee of the store.
Suspect and officers struck during foot pursuit
According to the San Francisco Police Department, officers attempted to detain the man after arriving at the scene, but he fled on foot.
Video circulating online appears to show the suspect running along a sidewalk before falling to the ground. Officers then moved in and struggled with him while trying to place him into custody.
As the altercation continued, a black Lexus SUV approached the group. The vehicle remained on course and ultimately struck the suspect and both officers before coming to a stop.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, including how quickly the vehicle was traveling and whether the driver had enough time to avoid hitting those involved.
The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with investigators, police said.
One officer pinned beneath SUV
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene after the crash.
According to officials, one of the officers became trapped beneath the SUV and had to be freed by firefighters. Paramedics then transported the suspect and both officers to a nearby hospital.
Despite emergency treatment, the suspect later died from his injuries.
The two officers suffered injuries to their legs and are expected to recover.
Authorities have not released additional details about their conditions.
Investigators are also reviewing the events leading up to the collision, including whether officers adhered to department policies governing foot pursuits.
Police policy limits foot pursuits
The San Francisco Police Department updated its foot pursuit policy in 2023 in an effort to reduce risks to officers, suspects and the public.
Under the policy, officers are permitted to pursue someone on foot only when they reasonably believe the person has committed an offense that justifies detention or arrest. The guidelines also acknowledge that such pursuits can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Officials have not said whether the officers involved acted within department policy, noting that the investigation remains active.
Police are examining the reported theft, the decision to pursue the suspect and the circumstances that led to the collision.
Trader Joe’s and city leaders respond
Trader Joe’s addressed the incident in a statement after learning of the suspect’s death.
The company confirmed that the man involved was previously employed at the store and expressed sympathy for everyone affected by the tragedy. The grocery chain has operated at the Nob Hill location for nearly 14 years and said its thoughts are with all those involved.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also commented on the incident after speaking with the injured officers.
The mayor said he wished both officers a speedy recovery and thanked first responders who provided aid at the scene.
He also acknowledged the loss of life and described the situation as a tragedy for the community.
Investigation continues
Police have not announced whether any charges will be filed against the SUV driver, and investigators have not released the suspect’s identity.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence, review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to better understand the sequence of events.
The San Francisco Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators or submit tips anonymously.
As officials piece together what happened Friday morning, questions remain about the reported theft, the foot pursuit and the moments before the SUV collided with the suspect and officers, turning what began as a shoplifting call into a fatal incident that shocked the neighborhood.