San Francisco Police Officer Given Oakland Police Award After Foiling Armed Robbery

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A San Francisco police officer was awarded the Oakland Police Department's Silver Star for bravery Friday, San Francisco police said.

Officer Riley Bandy was off duty at 11 p.m. on July 9 when he saw an armed robbery take place near Lake Merritt. Bandy saw the suspect, later identified by the victim as a 16-year-old boy, point what appeared to be a rifle at the victim and tell him to hand over his cellphone.

Bandy, who was unarmed, asked the boy what he was doing. The boy pointed the gun at Bandy, who identified himself as a San Francisco police officer and told the boy to drop the gun.

The boy then fled on foot, so Bandy ran after him. The suspect pointed his gun at Bandy several times during the chase. Bandy then took cover and informed Oakland police officers of the boy's location.
As Oakland police officers arrived, Bandy believed he heard the gun fall to the ground, so he tackled the boy as he ran down Lakeshore Avenue.

With Bandy's help, Oakland police officers arrested the boy and recovered the gun, which was determined to be a BB gun.

At noon on Friday, San Francisco Police Acting Chief Toney Chaplin and Oakland Police Acting Assistant Chief David Downing presented Bandy with the award.

Bandy's family, his current commanding officer Capt. Paul Yep, and his former commanding officer Capt. David Lazar attended the ceremony at the San Francisco Police Department Headquarters. Bandy's commanding officers have nominated him for an SFPD Medal of Valor.

By Bay City News

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