SAN FRANCISCO—On Thursday, July 14, officers from the San Francisco Police Department have arrested Manu Pomele, 19, and Jonathan Limu, 20, who were involved in five incidents in the Bayview District that occurred on July 10 and July 11.
One of the suspects robbed two phones from a 16-year-old male who was playing Pokémon Go with his sister on Burrows and Silver Streets at 8 p.m. on July 10. The suspect fled with the phones in a get-away car. The car is described as a silver coupe and was driven by the second suspect. No one was injured in this incident.
On Monday, several incidents occurred. The suspects approached a 19-year-old San Francisco resident at 23rd and Dakota Streets at 1:10 a.m. The male was waiting to meet a friend. The suspects attempted to rob the male of money. They learned that the victim did not have any and the victim was punched multiple times on his head.
They stole his rollerblades and other items. He suffered non-life threatening injuries. Officers were on the scene of 23rd and Dakota Street taking a robbery report when they heard shots fired. They saw and followed a silver Pontiac who they believe were responsible for the shots. The officers stopped the car at 20th and Tennessee Street. They conducted an investigation, but couldn’t link the occupants to the shots that were fired. Police now believe that the occupants of the vehicle were the intended targets.
At 4:00 a.m., the suspects robbed a 58 year-old male at gunpoint who was sitting in his car at Vermont and Mariposa Streets. The victim handed over his wallet to the suspects. The suspects demanded the victim’s car, but he was able to drive away safely according to police.
Officers from the SFPD’s Gang Task Force identified both Pomele and Limu as suspects in the robberies. Lima was taken in custody in front of the Hall of Justice on July 11. He was then transported to the Bayview Station for further investigation. Lima and Pomele was booked at San Francisco County Jail on multiple counts of robbery, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, various firearm related charges, one count of attempted carjacking and conspiracy.
The SFPD provided safety tips for Pokémon Go. According to the police, some things to remember while playing the game just remember you’re still in the real world! Other law enforcement agencies throughout the world have already reported accidents, injuries, and string of robberies where suspects have set up fake ‘Pokespots’.”
The police added, “Know your surroundings and pay attention to where you are going/who is around you. If you get the sense you are being followed or set-up for a robbery, head to a lighted area with people around.”
Despite both suspects being arrested in these cases they remain active and open. The police want those with information on these crimes to contact the SFPD Anonymous Tip Line at (415)-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
