SAN FRANCISCO—Officer Elia Lewin-Tankel, 32, of the San Francisco Police Department was critically injured by a suspect who attempted to flee authorities with his vehicle. The incident transpired on October 18 at approximately 12:21 p.m., officers from Tenderloin Station were conducting a firearms violation investigation.

Officers spotted a suspect in a car they believed was in possession of a firearm. It appears the suspect was aware of the officers’ presence and fled in the vehicle, but struck an officer on a bicycle beat on the mid-block of Turk Street between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street.

Officer Lewin-Tankel was transported to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital where he is listed in critical condition at the intensive care unit.

On Thursday, October 19, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott spoke to reporters outside Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital to provide an update on the condition of Officer Elia Lewin-Tankel.

“Yesterday’s horrific event involving Officer Elia Lewin-Tankel is a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day as we perform our sworn to duty to protect our City. Our police family has responded admirably with great spirit, strength, and resolve to support each other and Elia’s wife and family. Currently, Elia remains in the intensive care unit. As Elia continues on his road to recovery, it is important and uplifting to remember that he is a fighter and survivor in every sense of the word. This fight is not over,” said Police Chief Scott.

Eli’s wife released the following statement:

“If Elia was writing this, he would want to say that he is like every other cop working in San Francisco- he goes to work every day to protect and serve his community. He does this with heart and with passion. At the end of the day, like any other officer, he wants to come home to his family. Elia is a symbol of strength. It’s in his blood. This situation will be no different. This is not the end of Elia’s story. Please, please send him positive energy and love. He deserves it and he will no doubt get through this.”

The suspect, Maurice Johnson, 50, was taken into custody on the 500 block of Ellis Street at approximately 3:30 p.m. on October 18. Johnson is being charged with:

-Attempted murder

-Use of a deadly weapon commissioned of a felony

-Assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer

-Inflict great bodily injury on another in the commission of a felony

-Battery with serious bodily injury

-Resisting arrest causing great bodily injury

-Stolen auto

-Felony possession of stolen property

-Felony evading, causing serious bodily injury

-Reckless driving causing injury

-Felony evading a peace officer

-Unlicensed driver

-Resisting/delaying a peace officer

Officer Elia-Lewin Tankel started his career with the San Francisco Police Department in 2012 and worked at several stations before being permanently assigned to Tenderloin Station in March 2016. He chose to be assigned to Tenderloin Police Station which is one of the busiest, most demanding districts.

During his five years with the SFPD, Elia has been recognized numerous times for outstanding police work. In 2015, he was the recipient of SFPD’s Purple Heart Award as the result of an incident in which he was injured as a direct result of actions he took to prevent serious injury or loss of life to members of the community.

The SFPD has indicated this is an active and ongoing investigation. The SFPD investigators are asking anyone with information to please contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Tipsters may remain anonymous.