Though 22-year-old Eduardo Shaparo Esquivel of South San Francisco was arrested for allegedly striking and critically injuring 29-year-old Albert Bartal with a vehicle in the Richmond District early Thanksgiving morning, SFPD continues to search for the SUV used in the crime.
Bartal, who has served four years of active duty as a Marine in Iraq, remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an alleged altercation with Esquivel turned ugly.
The initial incident occurred at a restaurant near 11th Ave. and Geary Blvd. at around 3:45am on Thanksgiving morning. Soon they were separated and left the restaurant. Bartal walked to a gas station on Ninth Ave. and Geary Blvd, where Esquivel allegedly ran him down.
Now, SFPD has identified the vehicle involved as a black, 2011 Mazda CX-7 with California license plate 6SYV525.
The vehicle is registered to a rental company, and has not been returned, SFPD says.
investigators believe the car may have been taken to an automotive repair or auto body shop in the SF area to repair front end damage from the incident.
Anyone with information on this vehicle is asked to contact SFPD’s Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or to text a tip to TIP-411.
Esquivel is currently being held on felony charges for mayhem, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with great bodily injury. A relief fund has also been set up for Bartal. Those interested in making donations may make them to account No. 1379608 at the SF Police Credit Union at 2550 Irving St, 94122.
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