Photographers capturing San Francisco sights were beset by crooks this weekend, as bands of muggers fell upon shooters in both Golden Gate Park and near the Powell Street cable car turnaround.
On Friday at 12:22 in the afternoon, a 64-year-old man was taking photos near Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park when three men in their 20s approached him from behind.
One man grabbed the victim's camera, but the victim refused to let go, according to the San Francisco Police Department. "A struggle ensued," police say, and the victim was knocked to the ground. The mugger dragged the victim on the ground, police say, as the other two suspects assisted by pulling the camera strap off their victim's shoulder.
Once they got hold of the goods, the trio fled in an unknown direction. The victim received minor injuries in the altercation, and was treated at the scene.
A second photog was mugged Sunday, police say. The 19-year-old male was taking pictures on the 900 block of Market Street, which is near the Powell Street cable car turnaround, at 12:21 a.m., when he was approached by a man and woman of unknown age.
Police say that the female suspect "pulled out a nail file" and threatened the victim with it, demanding his camera. The teen handed over the device, and the man and woman took off on foot.
In both cases, police say that the suspects remain at large and that no arrests have been made in either case. If you happen to know anything about these or any other crimes, police ask that you call SFPD's anonymous tip line at at 415-575-4444 or to text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.
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