San Francisco police investigate fatal Mission District multiple shooting

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

March 15, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - One person is confirmed dead and one more victim is fighting life-threatening injuries this morning after a shooting in San Francisco's Mission District, said police spokesman Neville Gittens.

Police were called at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday to the 1900 block of Mission Street near the 16th Street Bay Area Rapid Transit station.

Four gunshot victims were found on the scene. All four were sent to San Francisco General Hospital. Two of the victims are expected to recover, but one victim was pronounced dead at the hospital and another is fighting life-threatening injuries, Gittens said.

The scene was chaotic when police arrived, according to Gittens.

Police believe the shooter or shooters walked up to the victims and opened fire in front of a store. Shots were fired towards the BART station and across the street. Passersby were scattering and struggling to help the victims.

Gittens said numerous shell casings were found on the scene. 15th and 16th streets are still closed while officers and detectives from the homicide detail investigate the shooting.

Police expect the street to open by 1:30 a.m.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority buses have been rerouted but are maintaining normal service otherwise.

Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

####