San Francisco – On Monday, Edwin Michael Adams, 56, was killed during a police pursuit on Mission Street after officers attempted to enforce a warrant tied to his court‑ordered electronic monitoring device. Witnesses told Mission Local that a plain‑clothes officer exited a gray Ford Fusion, tackled Adams off his motorized scooter, and forced him into a bus shelter where his head struck a metal pole.

Background on the warrant

According to Adams’ public defenders, the warrant was issued because he allegedly failed to keep his electronic monitoring device charged, a condition set by the court to allow him to remain out of jail while pending drug‑related and contempt charges were resolved. Jail records show Adams was booked at least four times between March and September on non‑violent drug offenses and contempt of court, but he had not yet gone to trial on any of those counts.

Law‑enforcement response

Sheriff’s deputies requested the warrant after Adams violated the terms of his monitoring agreement, sheriff’s spokesperson Tara Moriarty said. The warrant was filed on Oct. 10, less than a week before the fatal chase. The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that Adams “collided with a street fixture” after the pursuit and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigation underway

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is leading a criminal investigation into the death, as required by an agreement with the SFPD that mandates DA investigators handle cases involving police use of force, deaths in custody, or serious injuries. The agreement sets a six‑month deadline for completing the probe. The DA’s office has not yet released details about what specifically prompted officers to act on the warrant or whether the gray sedan was an unmarked police vehicle.

Public defender’s call for independent review

The public defender’s office has asked the city to conduct an independent investigation into why officers chose to pursue Adams. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Adams,” the office said in a statement.

Family reaction

Adams’ brother, Curtis Adams, said he first learned of the incident from a close friend who called to say Edwin was in the hospital. He described his sibling as a man trying to rebuild his life, noting that Edwin had a child he loved.

Legal context of electronic monitoring

Judges set the conditions for pre‑trial electronic monitoring, and the sheriff’s department enforces those conditions. Some defendants are required to stay home or avoid certain locations, while others only need to wear the device. If a device is removed, tampered with, or loses power, deputies may use other methods to locate the individual. The sheriff’s department said it does not know whether Adams was wearing his device at the time of the chase.

As the investigation proceeds, the city and the DA’s office will determine whether any officers violated the law and what steps, if any, should be taken to prevent similar tragedies.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.