SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A police chase that began at the Stonestown Galleria ended in chaos Sunday afternoon when a suspect’s vehicle plowed into a parklet outside a bar in the Mission District, leaving multiple people injured. The incident occurred as patrons gathered to watch the Super Bowl, turning a festive atmosphere into one of shock and dismay.
The pursuit began after officers responded to reports of a wanted vehicle in the Stonestown area. When police attempted to stop the SUV, the suspects fled, leading officers on a chase across the city. The high-speed pursuit concluded near the intersection of 24th and South Van Ness, where the vehicle crashed through the outdoor seating area of a packed bar.
Six people were injured in the crash, including two occupants of the vehicle and four individuals who were seated in or near the parklet. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered and the once-bustling area left in disarray.
One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted seeing the car hurtling toward the parklet. “I looked out the window and saw a car barreling through the parklet,” she said, noting that her friends were among those injured. “He got hit in the head. My other friend got hit on the shoulder.”
Peter Paulson, a bar patron who was seated on the sidewalk, described hearing the sound of squealing tires and witnessing the destruction unfold. “The structure on the street where people were sitting totally exploded,” he said. “The car kept coming. I thought I was about to die.”
Following the crash, two women were seen fleeing the SUV. Police quickly apprehended them a short distance away. The investigation into the pursuit and crash is ongoing, with authorities examining factors such as the speed of the chase and whether police lights and sirens were active.
Officials emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the importance of addressing community traffic concerns. “We take this very seriously,” a police spokesperson said. “Our focus is on traffic and the safety of the community. Incidents like this highlight the challenges we face.”
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the decisions made during the pursuit and the measures needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of a day that began with excitement and ended in tragedy.