M22 San Francisco - False Arrest

Strange Episode on the Sidewalk

Random street arrest

I was between 7th and 8th on Market around 5:00 PM when ten or so motorcycle police started driving down the sidewalk, nearly running into people, and then grabbing the person in the photo to the right.

I was on the other side of the street so a did not have the best view.

Detained in handcuffs

I walked down the street and back up the other side and they had a man handcuffs (I think it was the same person, though, I am not entirely sure.)

A crowd had formed, and they were being very helpful. Taking pictures, giving legal numbers, and making sure that the police followed legal procedures.

Released with no explanation

I am not sure exactly why, but at this point the police inexplicably decided to release him. They gave no explanation. I am not sure if it was the big crowd that had formed that pushed them into releasing him, or if they realized that they had made a stupid mistake.

Happy at being released

In any case, here is the detainee, who is appears quite happy and relieved by the turn of events.