FiDi/North Beach Crime: Armed Robberies, Arson At Pier 39, MorePhoto: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline
Nathan Falstreau
Published on February 25, 2017

It's the end of the month, which means it's time for another look at crime in District 3. Here's an overview of some of the incidents reported since our last roundup

This week, Central Station Capt. David Lazar announced via email that he's been promoted and will be leaving his current post. 

"Chief William Scott has announced my promotion to the rank of Commander," he wrote. "I am thankful for the promotion and honored to be selected. Effective Saturday, February 25, 2017, I will serve as the Commander of Community Engagement."

According to Lazar, the position has been recently created "to put into practice the numerous recommendations offered by the Department of Justice on Community Policing and Community Engagement."

While Lazar's replacement has yet to be chosen, Lt. Molly Pengel will serve as the station's Acting Captain. 

Now, on to our bi-weekly crime roundup, culled from daily SFPD recaps. 

Arsonist Sets Two Fires At Fisherman's Wharf

On February 21 at 4:12pm at Pier 39, a man in his late 30s to early 40s walked into a business and lit a fire, left, walked into another business and did the same thing before fleeing. No injuries were reported. 

FiDi Window Damaged In Torch Fire

On the 300 block of Pacific Avenue on on February 18 just before 3pm, an unknown suspect left a torch next to an area business, causing damage to a window. No injuries were reported and no suspect details have been given. 

Man Near Union Square Robbed At Gunpoint

An armed robbery occurred on the 400 block of Sutter near Union Square on February 17 just before midnight. A man, 24, was walking when two unknown suspects approached him, brandished a handgun and demanded his property. The victim handed over his cash, and the two suspects fled into an awaiting car and fled the scene. 

Lower Nob Hill Man Punched In Head, Robbed

A man, 36, was robbed while walking on Larkin Street near Hemlock Alley in Lower Nob Hill on February 16 at 9:20pm. The victim was walking when an unknown suspect approached him from behind and punched him, causing him to fall to the ground.

The suspect then punched the victim several more times in the face before snatching his wallet, removing the cash, and fleeing the scene on foot. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Gunmen Rob Two Teens Visiting City's Crookedest Street

On February 13 at 7:56pm on the crooked part of Lombard Street, two teenaged victims were robbed at gunpoint. Two male suspects in their 30s approached the victims, pulled out a handgun, and demanded their property. The teenagers handed over a camera and cell phone; the suspects fled on foot. 

Pedestrian Struck  By Hit-and-run Driver Near Union Square

A 40-year-old man was injured on February 13 at 3:19am near the corner of Post and Mason Streets in Union Square. The victim was crossing the street when a suspect vehicle hit him and then fled the scene southbound on Mason Street. The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

Hot Prowl Burglar Nabs Nob Hill Woman's Laptop

A hot prowl burglary occurred on the 1300 block of Washington Street in Nob Hill on February 10 at 3am. A woman, 57, woke up and noticed that her apartment window was open after hearing the front door alarm sound. When she rose, she realized that a black vest and a laptop were missing. 

As a reminder, Central Station's monthly community meetings have been moved to the first Monday of each month. The next meeting will be 6 – 7pm on March 6 at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St.