SAN FRANCISCO—On Thursday, August 31, 2023, at around 1 a.m., according to video footage, witness testimony and other evidence regarding this case, 31-year-old Jonathan Bissell confronted a police officer of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) while he was on patrol in the United Nations (U.N.) Plaza, demanded for him to leave his beat and threatened to assault him.
Bissell told the unnamed officer that he had 30 seconds to leave and thenceforth counted with his fists raised. During his countdown, he carried out his threat, punching the officer full-on in the face and tackling him to the ground. Bissell and the officer fought for about two minutes while Bissell attempted to get at the officer’s gun.
The officer called for back-up. When back-up arrived, Bissell continued fighting and resisting arrest. The officer in question received a head injury from the assault and was transported to San Francisco General Hospital to be treated.
On Friday, August 15, 2025, Bissell was found guilty by trial by jury of the following charges: Battery of an Officer (PC 243 (b)), Threatening an Executive Officer (PC 69) and Resisting, Obstructing or Delaying an Officer (PC 148).
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Samantha Zurcher with paralegals Josh Nickchen and Raquel Paz Aleman assisting. IT support came from Leland Chan and Noaeh Pinaire. San Francisco Police Department Tenderloin Station police officers were supportive and instrumental in the thorough investigation in aiding the prosecutor team to build a strong and solid case against Bissell.
