Robbery suspects behind fatal hit-and-run

Police this morning said the suspect vehicle involved in a Friday hit-and-run collision that killed a woman in San Francisco is believed to be the same vehicle that has been involved in several recent armed robberies in the city.

The collision occurred at 9:58 p.m. in the area of Post and Powell streets, police said.

Officers saw a black Toytoa Corolla strike a pedestrian and flee the area. Officers tried to pursue the vehicle, but the suspects ended up eluding officers, possibly by driving over the Bay Bridge, police said.

The victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition with injuries that were considered life threatening. She later died from injuries suffered in the collision.

Over the last three days, there have been a series of armed robberies in various parts of San Francisco committed by three suspects in a black Toyota Corolla, police said.

There were at least three robberies committed by the suspects Friday. The suspects committing the robberies were armed with handguns, police said.

Police said the last robbery Friday occurred at 9:55 p.m. near the intersection of Clay and Larkin streets. A patrolling officer spotted the vehicle with three occupants inside traveling in the area of Leavenworth and Pine streets, police said.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle at California and Mason streets, but the suspects failed to stop and pursuit started, police said.

After going about three blocks the vehicle struck a woman walking in the crosswalk at the intersection of California and Kearny streets, police said.

Officers stopped to help the woman as other units continued to pursue the suspects, police said.

The vehicle hit a second pedestrian at the intersection of Post and Powell streets and officers stopped to aid the woman as other officers continued to pursue the suspects, police said.

The second victim was transported to the hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.

As the pursuit continued, the suspects struck a vehicle before losing officers in the South of Market area, police said. During the ensuing investigation, police located two firearms believed to have been used by the suspects.