SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday, August 10, it was reported that the DMV revoked the license of San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi following his failure to report a car accident involving a city-owned car that occurred in October 2014.
The suspension occurred back in February, but the specifics regarding the suspension only became public this week. The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Kenya Briggs revealed that Mirkarimi himself only learned of his suspended license on Monday, August 10.
A day later on Tuesday, Mirkarimi confirmed that the issue with his license had been resolved.
In a public statement regarding the incident, Mirkarimi stated: “I used the public phone number for the DMV and traversed their process,” he said. “I found them to be efficient and helpful, and after explaining the matter and filing the proper paperwork the matter has been resolved.”
The accident is said to have taken place on October 2, 2014. No injuries occurred and Mirkarimi’s vehicle did not sustain any damage.
Under California state law, if the damage of at least one of the vehicles is more than $750, both drivers are mandated to file a report to the DMV, something Mirkarimi neglected to do. Mirkarimi also failed to pay the $55 fee to have his driver’s privileges restored.
Mirkarimi claims that after he contacted his insurance company, he believed they would send a report to the DMV. Following his license suspension, Mirkarimi was only legally able to commute to and from work with his vehicle.
This isn’t Sheriff Mirkarimi’s first time making headlines this year. It was under his charge that Francisco Sanchez was released back onto the streets of San Francisco. Sanchez is the undocumented immigrant behind the pier shooting and killing of 32-year-old Kate Steinle back in July.
Mirkarimi was elected to his position in 2011 and assumed office in January 2012. Previously, he had served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He is anticipating running for re-election as San Francisco Sheriff this upcoming November against Vicki Hennessy.
