A woman involved in a pursuit with officers from the South San Francisco Department died after she climbed over a guardrail and fell from an overpass in San Bruno, landing on the freeway below.
The South San Francisco Police Department said in a media release that officers were pursuing a female suspect Monday night after finding a vehicle associated with her around 8:30 pm. Officers had learned that the woman, who had multiple arrest warrants, had also been involved in a pursuit with another law enforcement agency earlier that day.
The woman has been identified as 34-year-old Ana Da Costa Pereira of San Francisco, according to Bay Area News Group.
While it hasn't been confirmed it's the same person, Mission Local reported in December of 2024 that a 33-year-old named Ana Da Costa Pereira had been charged with a felony in connection to a series of mural vandalism incidents along Mission Street, and additional felony and misdemeanor charges were later added while she was in custody.
Monday's encounter began when officers attempted to contact Pereira and she allegedly pulled out a pair of scissors before getting into the driver’s seat. An officer used a Taser, but it had no effect, and Pereira drove away with officers following her.
The pursuit continued into San Bruno, where police said Pereira rammed a patrol vehicle multiple times while trying to get away. Officers eventually used tire-deflation devices to disable the vehicle, which stopped on the Sneath Lane overpass above Interstate 280.
Pereira then remained inside the vehicle and did not respond to officers’ attempts to get her out. The department’s Crisis Negotiation Team responded and made several attempts to establish communication, but was unsuccessful.
Officers then fired PepperBall projectiles into the vehicle, prompting Pereira to get out and run toward the overpass guardrail. Police said an officer fired a less-lethal sponge round in an attempt to stop her, but it was ineffective. A police canine was also deployed but was recalled as Pereira continued toward the guardrail.
Moments later, police said Pereira intentionally climbed over the guardrail and fell onto the freeway.
Officers stopped traffic on the freeway and provided medical aid until firefighters arrived. Pereira was taken to a local trauma center, where she later died from her injuries.
Multiple law enforcement and emergency response agencies assisted at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the pursuit and Pereira’s actions during the encounter remain under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact the South San Francisco Police Department at 650-877-8900.
Previously: Video: Suspect Fleeing Police Attempts to Escape By Climbing Under Bay Bridge
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