SFPD Not Idle: Viral Video Misrepresents Car Break-In as Police Chase Ends in Recovery
A viral video has been making the rounds on social media, racking up nearly a million views and fueling the narrative that the police in San Francisco did nothing to stop a car break-in. The video, posted by an anonymous account called Bay Area State of Mind, shows a white Lexus pulling up to a black SUV next to Alamo Square Park. Someone gets out of the Lexus, smashes the back window of the SUV, steals some items, and drives off. In the video, an SFPD SUV appears to be sitting motionless as this unfolds.
However, the viral video conveniently edits out an important part of the story. According to The Chronicle, which obtained the full video, the police SUV did not sit idle. In fact, it backed up on Steiner Street and gave chase after the suspect’s Lexus sped off. The incident occurred on Monday night around 6:40 p.m., and the stolen items were dropped and recovered when the police arrived.
While it remains unclear whether this situation has been fully resolved or if an arrest has been made, the original video inadvertently helped in an unexpected way. A man from Daly City recognized the suspect’s Lexus as his own stolen car. The car had been stolen on August 17, and the man identified it based on custom carbon fiber parts he had installed and the distinct sound of the exhaust, which was also customized. He has forwarded the video to the Daly City police.
It’s important to present a balanced view when any incident is reported. While the viral video spread a false narrative about the police’s actions, it did bring attention to a stolen car. The police are asking for anyone with information about the incident to call the SFPD tip line at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411, starting the message with SFPD. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
In conclusion, it is crucial to consider all the facts surrounding an incident before jumping to conclusions based solely on a viral video. The SFPD did respond to the car break-in, giving chase and recovering the stolen items. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to come forward.
