SAN FRANCISCO—On Tuesday, May 26, after a trial by jury, Ralph Mueller, 67, of San Francisco was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon that was not a firearm (Penal Code 245(a)(1)) with an allegation that he personally used a dangerous and deadly weapon in the commission of the assault found true (Penal Code 969f) and one count of hit-and-run (Vehicle Code 20002(a)).
On November 22, 2025, Mueller crashed into a vehicle parked near 13th Street and Van Ness Avenue. He left the scene. The victim followed behind him in his own vehicle, where each car stopped at a red light. A physical altercation ensued with Mueller pulling out a pocketknife and cutting the victim’s chin.
SF Assistant District Attorney Warren Henderson prosecuted the case with help from paralegals, Daniel La and Andres Ruano-Hernandez and Victim Advocate, Cody Martinez. Working with San Francisco Police Department who was investigating the case, the prosecuting team was able to develop a good, solid case against Mueller. Mueller is out of police custody. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
