San Francisco Police Shooting Followed Domestic Disturbance Call on Sandra Court
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (December 9, 2025) – A man was critically injured in a San Francisco police shooting at a private home on the 900 block of Sandra Court.
San Francisco police officials are saying that the incident began around 5:10 AM on Monday. Authorities received a domestic disturbance call about a person who may be under the influence of drugs.
Officers arrived at the home and found a person who allegedly armed himself with a knife. That person was making statements that they may harm themselves.
Responding officers continue to speak with the man in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. He initially complied with their demands.
But he allegedly brandished some type of weapon before approaching them. Authorities then used a taser to try to subdue him.
But that proved to be ineffective. It was shortly after this point that an officer-involved shooting occurred.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the incident to help the man. He was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. A full investigation into the police shooting remains ongoing.
Liability for San Francisco Police shootings
A large portion of police shootings involve a person who may be in the midst of a mental health crisis or under the influence of some substance. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, “More than four in ten people treated for non-fatal gunshot wounds from a police encounter were diagnosed with a mental health condition, an alcohol- or substance-related disorder, or both.” Police officers should take a number of actions to prevent needlessly harming vulnerable suspects.
- De-escalation: Police officers should prioritize de-escalation techniques and avoid rushing into any encounter.
- Crisis Intervention: Police officers should work closely with crisis intervention teams and learn to recognize many of the symptoms of mental illness.
- Lack of Force: Police officers should avoid using force to correct behavior that is non-criminal.
- Listening: Police officers should allow the person they are speaking with to talk without interruption and engage in active listening.
Police officers are typically given a great deal of discretion related to their work. But at no point are officers allowed to use excessive force. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. Lethal force should only be used as an absolute measure of last resort.
Steps to Take After San Francisco Police Shootings
Many people are seriously injured or killed in police shootings every year. According to Statista, “Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 1,173 civilians having been shot, 248 of whom were Black, as of December 2024. In 2023, there were 1,164 fatal police shootings.” It is important that certain steps are taken after any police shooting.
- Medical Support: Victims should seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
- Evidence Preservation: All of the evidence associated with the incident should be carefully collected and preserved. This will include all of the body camera footage from officers.
- Legal Support: Any person injured in a police shooting should seek the guidance of an experienced civil rights attorney.
Police shootings can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Many victims are left with lifelong physical trauma. Survivors also report experiencing long-term psychological injuries, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of police shootings are able to seek some measure of justice and accountability through a civil claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Investigating San Francisco Police Shootings
We at Carrazco Law were very concerned to hear about this South San Francisco police shooting. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. This man clearly needed help. But he was instead met with lethal force.
Have you or someone you care about been injured due to the excessive force of police officers in San Francisco? You may have legal recourse. Our team of experienced civil rights attorneys is here to help you. We are committed to helping victims of police brutality get the support and justice that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your particular situation, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
