San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Stephen Kernan (68), after a trial by jury for hit and run in the Mission District. Mr. Kernan was convicted of fleeing the scene of a vehicle accident causing permanent, serious injury (VC 20001(b)(2)) and reckless driving (VC 23103(a)).

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “I would also like to thank the Muni passengers, witnesses, and first responders who came to the victims aid at the scene. This verdict delivers justice to the victims after five long years and hopefully sends a message to all drivers to slow down and obey all laws or risk tragedy.”

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, on the afternoon of February 12, 2020, at the intersection of 23rd Street and Mission Streets, a victim had the right of way walking across the 23rd street crosswalk when Mr. Kernan suddenly accelerated his Toyota Prius into him, slamming him into a passing MUNI bus. The impact caused the front bumper and license plate of the Prius to fall off. After being stopped for seven to eight seconds after the collision, Mr. Kernan fled the scene in his Prius at a high rate of speed, side swiping the same MUNI bus and breaking the femur of a MUNI passenger who was pulling another passenger out of harm’s way the moment before that impact.

Mr. Kernan returned to the scene eight and a half minutes later. Citizens of San Francisco worked to save the lives of both victims, applying tourniquets and applying CPR to both until first responders were able to arrive. Although one victim suffered the catastrophic loss of both his legs, both men were able to survive because of the heroic acts of strangers.

The case against Mr. Kernan was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Yang with assistance from paralegals Sara Wong and Jen Java. Victim Advocate Priscilla Concepcion worked closely with the victims when the case was initially charged and Victim Advocate Isaac Brown worked with the victims through trial.  Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Kernan based on San Francisco Police Mission Station Officer’s thorough investigation and assistance.

“Though this case was a harrowing tale that resulted in devastating injuries, it also showed the very best of humanity from the citizens of our city.” said Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Yang. “I am grateful that after five long years of delays, the victims were able to get some closure and I thank the jurors for being able to see through Mr. Kernan’s fabricated tale.”

Mr. Kernan is currently out of custody. Sentencing is set for July 16, 2025.

Court Number: 20002320

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