Navigation center workers accused of helping man who allegedly shot SF police officer — NBC Bay Area

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

Navigation center workers accused of helping man who allegedly shot SF police officer — NBC Bay Area | AIPROPX

Two employees of a San Francisco navigation center were accused of intentionally hiding a gunman after he allegedly shot a police officer, authorities said on Friday.

In May, San Francisco police say the suspect, Norris Reed III, led officers on a short chase, crashed his car, and then started shooting. Officer Brittney Taylor was shot multiple times and was seriously injured.

After the shooting, police say Reed III ran into the Five Keys Navigation Center, where he was ultimately arrested.

However, investigators are now accusing two workers of Five Keys of attempting to hide Reed III from authorities.

In court filings, prosecutors claim one employee let Reed III into the facility and the other was heard on a security camera saying, “don’t call the police.”

In a statement, the nonprofit shelter contradicts that account, saying workers were trying to de-escalate the situation and evacuate people after Reed III flashed a gun.

Steve Good, acting CEO, sent a statement that reads:

“We find these allegations deeply troubling and sincerely hope they are not true. What we do know is the following: During a shift change, an individual entered the facility grounds and attempted to enter the main building. A staff member stopped him at the door. The individual then displayed two firearms and instructed the staff member not to call the police. Our staff immediately began evacuating the premises and contacted the site director by phone. While continuing to engage and de-escalate the individual, staff informed the director that he was requesting a jacket. The director instructed staff to provide the jacket—and anything else he requested—to keep the situation calm. Meanwhile, staff safely evacuated approximately 125 individuals from the facility. Law enforcement arrived shortly after the individual entered the premises. Staff were therefore confident that the police were already aware of the situation, allowing them to temporarily comply with the individual’s instruction not to call while they focused on de-escalation and evacuation. Staff successfully moved the individual out of the building and into the gated exterior area. Once he was outside and the building had been fully evacuated, staff notified law enforcement of his location. This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious injuries. Through calm and deliberate action, our staff prevented the armed individual from entering the building, protected and evacuated approximately 125 people, and helped bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. Most importantly, no one was injured, and the individual was arrested without further incident.”