A Black resident in California has expressed disappointment after accusing the San Francisco Police Department of not taking action following an incident in which he alleges a man directed racial slurs at him.
According to the citizen’s account, the man involved had attempted to attack his neighbor, prompting him to intervene. He alleged that after stepping in, the man directed racial slurs at him. The citizen also claimed the man tried to pass through a gate in an attempt to reach him physically. He wrote that during this incident, the man was calling him “every for [sic] of N word he could conceive.”
The citizen added that the San Francisco Police Department later located the suspect, and that he was apprehended, according to a video he shared. In the footage, the citizen is seen filming the man as he is handcuffed and placed on the ground while an officer stands nearby. Despite this, the citizen claimed that the man was not formally arrested by police.
He wrote, “He was tracked down and apprehended by SFPD who informed me that due to his mental health crisis, more information cannot be determined at this time to justify his arrest, and that he was in need of treatment,” The victim also expressed skepticism about the explanation, adding, “I find it interesting that he was sane enough to know what racial slur to call me and to pretend that he was the victim.”
In addition to his allegations, the citizen claimed that two of his White neighbors attempted to provide statements to police, but that officers allegedly declined to take their testimony. He concluded his post with criticism of the SFPD, writing, “SFPD has a fetish for letting people get away with this kind of behavior, It took them 20 minutes to even show up. Anything could’ve happened in that 20 minutes, so never rely on the police to protect you and your community. 100% unacceptable.”
The citizen also added further comments in which he questioned the police assessment regarding the suspect’s mental health. He wrote, “I don’t care what is happening to him to be honest with you. I do care that he’s not going to be held accountable. Mental breakdown or not the behavior was violent and people could’ve been killed. People have mental breakdowns all the time and don’t try to kill people, hate crime them, or play the victim once they get caught. He can get the mental health treatment. He needs in prison, but unfortunately racism is not illegal in the United States of America so here we are. If I had behave the way he had behave. The police would’ve shot me dead.”
The victim also said he intends to continue seeking the identity of the man involved. He plans to pursue further action in the case. He wrote, “I will not be satisfied until I know his identity and I’m able to press charges,” adding, “He’s not one of our local homeless people. He’s an outsider and he needs to be taught a lesson.”
Viewers Outraged Following Incident in California
The video sparked reactions online. Many viewers expressed sympathy for the California resident following the incident, while some also criticized SFPD’s alleged response. One person wrote, “I’m shocked the cops even showed up tbh. I had a man attempt to break into my home for 2 hours while I was inside and it took SFPD 4 hours to arrive and make record of it. Luckily my dog scared the perp away once I sicced her on him.” Another user said, “Had a big 2 on 2 street fight on our street in Bernal Heights, frying pans (the women) and shovels and fists (the guys). SFPD showed up 45 minutes after the call. When asked what took so long ‘Well, usually these things are over by the time we get here’.”
Others questioned the officers’ explanation that the man was experiencing a mental health crisis. One person wrote, “How can the cop Make that assessment on site? What qualifies them to do that? I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a passing familiarity with each other.” Another user said, “He doesn’t seem to be having a ‘mental health crisis’ to me with his calm request to not film him. What an [expletive]. Also, at freaking 7:30 in the morning?! [Expletive]. I’m sorry you and your neighbor had to deal with him! Good on you for confronting him and calling the cops.”
The incident prompted concern among some viewers, with many expressing frustration over how the situation was handled by police.
