San Francisco Sheriff's Taser Deployment Ends Mile-Long Pursuit After SFPD's Less-Lethal Tools Prove Ineffective

San Francisco – A foot pursuit spanning over a mile through San Francisco's streets concluded with the successful deployment of Tasers by Sheriff Paul Miyamoto and a deputy, subduing a man who was reportedly acting erratically and armed with what appeared to be a knife. The incident, which began at Sacramento and Polk Streets, highlighted the role of Tasers as a non-lethal force option after San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officers' attempts with Extended Range Impact Weapons (ERIWs) and pepper spray were ineffective. The suspect was later determined to be holding a pair of handle-less scissors.

The San Francisco Sheriff's Office confirmed the apprehension, stating, > "Tasers help deputies protect public safety without deadly force. #SFsheriff joined with #SFPD this morning on a foot pursuit that began at Sacramento and Polk Streets to apprehend a man who was acting erratically and armed with what appeared to be a knife." Sheriff Miyamoto, en route to the San Francisco County Jail, responded to the incident unfolding on radio dispatch.

SFPD officers pursued the individual for more than a mile, attempting to de-escalate the situation with less-lethal tools. However, these efforts did not succeed in subduing the suspect. This aligns with past reports indicating that SFPD officers do not typically carry Tasers, a policy influenced by a 2018 voter decision against Proposition H, which would have equipped them with such devices.

The pursuit culminated at 6th and Clementina Streets, where Sheriff Miyamoto first deployed his Taser, followed by Deputy B. Lau, whose Taser also struck the suspect. The individual was then taken into custody without further incident. The Sheriff's Office emphasized the importance of Tasers in resolving dangerous situations without resorting to lethal force, especially when other less-lethal options have failed.

The incident underscores the differing approaches to less-lethal force between San Francisco's law enforcement agencies. While the SFPD has faced challenges and public debate regarding Taser adoption, the Sheriff's Office utilizes them as a critical tool for public and officer safety. Authorities confirmed that the object in the suspect's hand was a pair of scissors without a handle, further validating the use of non-lethal intervention.