San Francisco police today asked for the public’s help in finding the driver responsible for a hit-and-run in the Mission District last week that left a 42-year-old bicyclist with a fractured back.
The incident occurred July 1 just before noon at the intersection of Valencia and 18th streets, according to police.
Police said the bicyclist, a San Francisco man, was riding north on Valencia Street with his 4-year-old son in the bicycle seat behind him.
The man rode through the intersection on a green light, when a female driver traveling west drove through the red light and hit the bicycle, throwing both the man and his son to the ground, police said.
According to Inspector Jim Custer, the driver never stopped to help or exchange identification.
Custer said at least 10 people witnessed the crash, but most were focused on attending to the man and his son.
Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as either a gray sport utility vehicle or a gray Chrysler PT Cruiser, with a possible personalized California license plate that included the letters “KAY,” followed by an unknown letter, a heart symbol, and one more unknown letter. The car may have front-end damage.
The driver was described as a woman in her late 20s with dark hair. She was reportedly alone in the vehicle at the time.
According to Custer, the father is now recovering at home. His son was not injured in the crash. Both were wearing helmets while they were riding.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Custer at the department’s hit-and-run detail at (415) 553-9516. They may also call the confidential tip line at (415) 575-4444.
