(Zero Hedge)—Two employees at a San Francisco homeless shelter funded through city contracts have been arrested for allegedly helping a suspected cop shooter hide from police, according to the New York Post.
The case stems from a May 31 confrontation near the Bay Bridge involving 36-year-old Norris Reed III. Authorities say what began as an attempted traffic stop escalated into a pursuit, ending when Reed’s vehicle struck a concrete barrier. Police allege Reed then fired at officers, wounding Officer Brittney Taylor in the leg, and escaped on foot.
The Post writes that the search eventually led officers to the Bayshore Navigation Center, where Reed was located roughly two hours after the shooting. Investigators now say two people working at the facility took steps to make finding him more difficult.
Oliver Barcenas, 36, allegedly supplied Reed with a change of clothes, which police say was intended to alter his appearance. Erika Porter, 45, is accused of giving investigators misleading information while officers were trying to locate Reed inside the center.
Reed was ultimately captured, and the investigation into what happened at the shelter continued. Nearly three months later, on Aug. 20, police arrested Barcenas and Porter over their alleged roles in concealing the wanted man.
Police Chief Derrick Lew condemned the alleged actions, saying there was no justification for helping an armed fugitive escape capture after an officer had been wounded.
Barcenas also has a criminal record of his own. He previously received a seven-year federal prison sentence following a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
The Bayshore Navigation Center is run by the nonprofit Five Keys with funding provided through San Francisco city contracts. It has space for as many as 128 homeless residents and offers case management and housing-related assistance intended to help people move into permanent housing.
