Driver arrested in S.F. joyride; 2 pedestrians struck

A man accused of driving recklessly Tuesday and striking two pedestrians with his car, including a middle school student, was charged with multiple crimes, including leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.

“San Francisco’s streets must be safe for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and our children from dangerous and reckless drivers,” District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in announcing the charges filed against Rodney Jefferson.

Authorities allege Jefferson, 54, was doing doughnuts in a Ford Mustang at the intersection of Jones and Market streets about 7:50 a.m. Tuesday when he struck a pedestrian who was crossing the street. Jefferson allegedly drove away, then returned a minute later, threw a $20 bill at the pedestrian and took off again.

Jefferson is accused of running red lights and stop signs when officers came across him and tried to stop him.

In North Beach, he allegedly struck a middle school student as several children walked across a street to get to school. The crash occurred as Jefferson allegedly sped around a car that was stopped to allow the children to cross. Jefferson then sped away, according to authorities.

Officers tried to pull him over once again, but he allegedly did not stop. He eventually turned onto the Embarcadero, where he got stuck in traffic. He allegedly tried to drive between a car stopped at a red light and a parked car, but he crashed into the parked car. The crash disabled his car, allowing officers to arrest him.

Jefferson’s arraignment was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Prosecutors planned to push for him to remain in custody “because of the public risk he poses,” the District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.