A San Francisco man allegedly assaulted a parishioner at Saints Peter and Paul Church on Sunday before leading police on a high-speed chase across the city. The incident unfolded when an unidentified man arrived at the church before the service and took communion. However, he then proceeded to assault one of the parishioners, prompting a chase out of the church.
Authorities were alerted to the assault and quickly responded to the scene. The suspect, determined to evade arrest, fled in a vehicle. As the pursuit unfolded across the Bay Bridge and into the East Bay, the suspect even threw an unknown object at officers through the car window. Police described the item as “suspicious” and are currently investigating its nature.
During the chase, the suspect further escalated the situation by setting off a pipe bomb in the 1500 block of Jones Street and igniting a “molotov cocktail” on 8th Street between Market and Mission. Luckily, no injuries or property damage have been reported in connection with these incidents.
The pursuit eventually came to an end when California Highway Patrol units took over and successfully apprehended the suspect. While no further objects were thrown from the suspect’s vehicle during this phase, authorities did discover additional items inside the car during the arrest.
San Francisco police have advised the public to avoid the areas of 8th and Mission streets and the 1500 block of Jones Street as investigations continue. The motive behind the initial assault and subsequent actions of the suspect remains unknown at this time.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety. As investigations progress, authorities will work tirelessly to ensure a swift and thorough resolution to this disturbing incident.
