The president of San Fracisco's Police Officer's Association leveled some strong criticism at the local media for it's irresponsible conjecture relating to a vehicle pursuit that resulted in the the death of San Francisco police officer, Nick Birco.
SFPOA President, Gary Delagnes, also blasted the local judiciary for allowing the driver of the van, Steven Petrilli, out on the streets with two pending felony cases and a motion to revoke.
Officer Nick Birco was killed when his patrol car was struck by a van being pursued by officers at the intersection of Cambridge and Felton Streets.
The persons in the van had been involved in an earlier robbery of an individual. The victim had accompanied officers during a search of the van and located it a short distance away. As the officers approached it, the van sped away.
The officers pursued the van until it struck the rear quarter-panel of Officer Birco's patrol car, causing it spin around and strike a pole. The van then struck two buildings and crashed. Officer Birco had aborted an attempt to lay down spike strips at the intersection and was moving his patrol car when it was struck.
All four persons were taken into custody. The three occupants of the van were charged with murder, manslaughter, and other charges.
Officer Birco was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
President of SFPOA levels harsh criticism