A Hayward man who allegedly plowed into pedestrians, a hotel and a San Francisco Municipal Railway bus during a hit-and-run spree in downtown San Francisco last weekend was remanded into custody today after appearing in court for arraignment.
Edwin Delatorre, 26, pleaded not guilty in San Francisco Superior Court to eight counts that include felony hit-and-run and reckless driving.
Delatorre, who was out on $115,300 bail, was arraigned on charges stemming from an incident that started around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
Assistant District Attorney Tom Ostly detailed what allegedly happened as Delatorre drove his red Ford Mustang onto the sidewalk and struck the outside of Parc 55 hotel at Eddy and Mason streets.
He said two pedestrians had to run off the sidewalk before Delatorre hit a Muni bus from behind as it was stopped at a light. Two people onboard complained of pain, he said.
Delatorre allegedly continued driving to Market and Fifth streets, where he struck a pedestrian who “flew into the air” and landed on another car before he fell into the street, Ostly said.
That victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Delatorre then allegedly ran a red light and struck another pedestrian at Kearny and Market streets. The second pedestrian did not suffer injuries as serious as the first pedestrian, Ostly said.
Delatorre allegedly sped up to Kearny and Pine streets, where he abandoned his car and ran away on foot, Ostly said.
He said there are witnesses that saw him allegedly fleeing in gray pants and a black shirt.
Delatorre had allegedly left his cellphone in the car and authorities discovered that the car was registered to him.
Investigators tracked him to Hayward early the next morning where he was allegedly found with bloody clothes and injuries from his seatbelt, according to Ostly.
Delatorre was arrested and booked into San Francisco County Jail and was later released on bail.
Ostly argued that bail be increased, calling the defendant “a significant risk to public safety.”
His defense attorney Adam Gasner said Delatorre is “extremely remorseful and upset” with no criminal record and that his client is not a flight risk.
He cited Delatorre’s parents’ presence in court, his lifelong residency in the Bay Area and his ability to make it to his first court appearance.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Monica Wiley decided to set bail at $350,000 and Delatorre was remanded into custody.
Bailiffs took him into handcuffs and his next court date was set for Monday at 9 a.m.
His preliminary hearing will be held on June 25.
As he was cuffed, Delatorre’s mother, seated in court next to his father, started crying.
Outside of court, his parents conferred with Gasner who advised them about posting bail for the higher amount.
Gasner said out of court that Delatorre is facing “allegations that are really serious” and that the situation is “very emotional.”
He reiterated that his client has no previous criminal history or any major driving violations.
Sasha Lekach, Bay City News
