By Police1
SAN FRANCISCO — Bystanders came to the rescue of a San Francisco cop who was attacked by a homeless man.
Witnesses told KTVU that an officer approached a man who was allegedly under the influence of drugs and exposing and touching himself Feb. 19.
“The next thing you know the homeless man jumps on him,” witness Kirill Zubrayev said.
Zubaryev told the news station that he was waiting for a bus when he witnessed the fight break out between the officer and the man. While recording the incident, he realized the officer needed assistance.
“Next thing I know the police officer is yelling for help,” he said. “I’m like ‘OK, I should probably get over there and see what I can do.’”
Video shows the citizens removing the man off the officer and pinning him to the ground. Backup arrived and arrested the suspect. The officer suffered cuts and bruises and is recovering.
“The fact that we had citizens who came to the assistance of the officer was really helpful and a great feeling that people are out there (who will) help and support,” Officer Giselle Talkoff said. “It became a very dangerous situation for the officer. And even for the public to view something like that it’s pretty scary.”
Law enforcement officials said the incident brings up questions about use of force within the department. Less lethal options are limited and police can no longer use carotid restraints. TASERs have never been allowed, according to the news station.
“The police officer doesn’t know if this individual has a weapon, whether it be a knife, a shiv, a screwdriver or even a gun, and the officer no longer has the opportunity to use the carotid restraint to get this individual into custody,” Martin Halloran, president of the SF Police Officers’ Association, said. “We’ve never been afforded TASERs so it makes our job that much more difficult.”
Newly-appointed Police Chief Bill Scott said he is an avid supporter of TASERs.