AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist – “Spider” assaulted in the San Francisco Mission District

Violent Vehicular Assault in the Mission District
by Seth Holmes Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 at 4:45 PM
smholm@berkeley.edu

OVER TWO WEEKS HAVE PASSED AND STILL NO LEADS IN THE VIOLENT VEHICULAR ASSAULT IN THE MISSION THAT LEFT A LOCAL MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED–$10,000 PRIVATE REWARD OFFERED

Contact: helpspider@marciag.com or http://www.cyclecide.com

December 30, 2005

WHAT: At 12:33 a.m. on December 17, 2005, a motorist believed to be driving a black SUV (possibly a black Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Tahoe, Yukon, or the like) deliberately struck a local resident, Spider Davila (not in a vehicle), leaving him seriously injured.

WHERE: The corner of Florida St. and 20th St. in the Mission in San Francisco.

WHO: Assailants: The driver and passenger(s) are believed to be either white or Hispanic, and have yet to be identified. Police, family and friends are looking for any witnesses to this violent and horrific attack. If someone saw a dark SUV driving in the neighborhood around this time (the vehicle is reported to have been driving aggressively and unsafely), if they have any information about the suspect(s), or if there was a passenger in the vehicle, we are asking them to please come forward.

Injured: Mr. Davila, 34, volunteers frequently for numerous city organizations, fundraisers and events: the YMCA, working with kids at the Crucible; riding in the The AIDS/LifeCycle; The Bike Kitchen; and Cyclecide; and volunteering for the Gate/Perimeter crew at Burning Man

POLICE: The police, friends and family are seeking any information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this assault. There is a $10,000 private reward for information that leads directly to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible for Spider’s injuries. Information can remain confidential. Call Inspector Krimsky at the Hit and Run Detail at 415-553-9179. The Case # is 051413864.

BACKSTORY: Mr. Davila was standing near the street corner, straddling his bike and making a cell phone call. The motorist was seen driving aggressively and recklessly in the neighborhood. Mr. Davila called out, “Nice way to drive your SUV!” as the motorist sped past. The motorist then stopped the vehicle, and is believed to have then put his SUV into reverse and then purposefully drove forcefully into Mr. Davila, and fled the scene. There was also reportedly a passenger in the vehicle.

Mr. Davila was picked up by ambulance and brought to SF General. He was in the ICU for over a week, left with numerous serious injuries: a shattered jaw, a broken arm, a laceration to his face, and a sprained wrist. He was placed on a ventilator due to swelling in his airway, and later in the week underwent a seven-hour intensive surgery to correct his facial injuries; he now has five plates in his face and his jaw wired shut for the next 4-6 weeks. It is hoped that his tracheotomy will be removed the week of 1/3/06 and will be discharged to convalesce in the care of his friends.

For those who want to make a donation to cover the mounting dental bills and medical costs, they can do so on http://www.cyclecide.com. Any checks can be written to J. Comford and mailed to:

Help Spider Fund
P.O. Box 740A 14th St., Slot #425
San Francisco, CA 94114