A homeless man in San Francisco is in critical condition following an altercation involving a police officer on Monday. This officer, Mike Petuya, had been a prominent figure in the San Francisco Police Department’s recruitment campaigns.
According to reports, Petuya was off-duty and driving his own vehicle when he struck the man, who was apparently lying down. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the man screaming in pain. The incident took place shortly after 7 a.m. in an alley near the SFPD’s Central Station located in North Beach.
The police confirmed the incident and stated they’re investigating it, but they have not disclosed the officer’s name. SFPD spokeswoman Paulina Henderson noted that the driver stopped immediately to contact emergency services.
Other officers quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured man until fire department personnel could take over. He was urgently transported to a local hospital, where his condition remains critical.
Petuya is not just any officer; he is a familiar face within the department, having appeared in various promotional videos for the SFPD and has even shared moments with Mayor Daniel Lurie. In some of these videos, he highlights community sports events sponsored by law enforcement, radiating pride in his long-standing ties to San Francisco.
Having family roots in the city that stretch back to 1904, Petuya expressed deep affection for his role in the community. “I look forward to continuing my journey of serving this city,” he mentioned, emphasizing his commitment.
Additionally, Petuya leads the SFPD’s Pride Alliance, an organization aimed at supporting LGBTQ police officers, showcasing his diverse involvement within the community.
