A San Francisco police officer critically injured a homeless man who was sleeping or lying in an alley early Monday morning. Officer Mike Petuya, who has been a public face for the San Francisco Police Department's recruitment efforts, was off-duty and driving a personal vehicle when the collision occurred.
The incident took place just after 7 a.m. outside SFPD's Central Station in the North Beach neighborhood. According to reports, the homeless man was left "screaming and yelling" after being struck.
SFPD confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway, though the officer involved was not immediately named. A spokesperson for the department confirmed that the driver stopped immediately and contacted emergency services. Responding officers rendered aid to the injured individual before paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Petuya, a third-generation police officer, has been featured in promotional videos for San Francisco and the SFPD. He appeared alongside Mayor Daniel Lurie in an Instagram video promoting a youth sports event hosted by law enforcement agencies. In a video posted by the organization It All Starts Here SF, Petuya expressed his commitment to the city, stating, "My family has been in San Francisco since 1904 … so this is home." He also indicated a desire to "continue my journey serving the city."
City records indicate Petuya has also been active with SFPD's Pride Alliance, a group supporting LGBTQ police officers. The collision involving Petuya highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and the welfare of the city's homeless population.