SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, September 5, a San Francisco police officer was assaulted with a skateboard at the intersection of 5th and Mission Street, according to a press release from the San Francisco Police Department. The suspect was taken into custody after the incident.
Around 5:46 p.m. an adult male, on-duty officer in full uniform was riding a bicycle. The suspect, Vera Rideout, 21, a San Francisco resident, was riding a skateboard northbound on 5th Street from Mission Street. Rideout jumped off the skateboard, approached the officer from behind and with a two-handed grasp swung the skateboard striking the officer on the back of his head. The officer was knocked off balance, but was able to keep himself from falling onto the ground. The officer dismounted from the bicycle and apprehended Rideout as she challenged him to a fight while being taken into custody.
Rideout was booked for assault with a deadly weapon, threats against an officer and possession of a controlled substance. After the incident, the officer’s helmet was found to be cracked in several places and it is believed that the helmet prevented him from suffering a severe head injury. The officer was later treated for his injuries and released. The SFPD told San Francisco News in an email that there is no further information at this time.
The SFPD Southern Station Investigators are seeking public assistance in providing cell phone video that may have captured the assault. Anyone with information can contact the Southern Station Investigation Team during business hours at (415) 575-6000, the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or Text A Tip to TIP411 with “SFPD” at the beginning of the message.
