Elsewhere: Parolee nabbed after citywide chase Ex
A 36-year-old man was arrested this evening on suspicion of causing an injury accident and unsuccessfully using a stolen vehicle to target pedestrians as he led police on a chase throughout San Francisco, a police spokesman said.
The incident began at about 6:30 p.m. when officers spotted a stolen green minivan in San Francisco’s Mission District. Police Officer Boaz Mariles said a police patrol vehicle pulled behind the van and that the driver sped away.
Officers decided that, given the wet roads and traffic conditions, it would be too dangerous to pursue the suspect and instead issued a broadcast of the suspect vehicle, Mariles said.
Police then allegedly witnessed the van run a red light at the intersection of 17th and Sanchez streets. Mariles said another vehicle slammed into the van, and that at least one person in the other vehicle was injured. The extent of injuries suffered was not immediately available.
Mariles said the suspect then continued to drive away, and allegedly attempted to hit pedestrians as he fled the intersection. “He purposefully directed the vehicle toward the pedestrians.”
No pedestrians were struck and the suspect allegedly continued to speed away from officers, who then started to pursue him.
“It has to be a felony for us to pursue and it really does jeopardize the safety of others when people drive recklessly in an effort to evade (officers),” Mariles said.
The suspect drove through several city neighborhoods before his vehicle, which had sustained a flat tire, came to a stop at Seventh Avenue and Fulton Street in the city’s Richmond District. The suspect allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but was detained by officers.
Mariles identified the suspect as Barron Cusick (could this be his facebook profile?–EB) of San Francisco. He was booked into jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a stolen vehicle, leaving an injury accident and failure to yield, Mariles said.
