San Francisco Trader Joe’s Shoplifting Suspect Killed, Police Injured in Vehicle Crash

A man suspected of stealing from a San Francisco Trader Joe’s was killed, and two police officers were injured after a fatal vehicle crash on California Street on Friday.

Officials said at 7:36 a.m., two San Francisco Police Department officers were flagged down by an employee at the Trader Joe’s in Nob Hill, who accused the suspect of stealing from the store.

The two officers pursued the suspect, who fled into the street on foot during morning rush hour traffic. There, all three were struck by a vehicle, and one of the officers was pinned underneath it.

Fire officials removed the officer from under the vehicle, and paramedics rendered aid to all three of the struck victims. The theft suspect died of his injuries, and the two officers were transferred to a hospital, where they’re being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

“We’re deeply saddened by the death of the suspect, and we are hoping that the two officers recover fully from this incident,” SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca told reporters at the scene.

Officers who responded to the theft were already on scene, responding to a report of arson. It’s not yet clear if the arson and theft were related, or what the man was accused of stealing.

Rueca said the scene was “very chaotic” and officers were still working to piece together the series of events.

None of the struck individuals have been identified.

Police said the driver remained on the scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

KQED’s Desmond Meagley contributed to this report.