After a lengthy investigation by the district attorney’s office, prosecutors announced during a news conference on Tuesday that they do not believe mechanical failures or medical issues contributed to the crash, and toxicology reports indicated that drugs and alcohol were not involved, according to reporting from the San Francisco Chronicle.
Lau was arrested Tuesday night after prosecutors announced the charges against her at a news conference that afternoon. Her arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“I would like to once again extend my deepest condolences to the friends and family of the victims and the West Portal community,” District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. “I would also like to thank the San Francisco Police Department for their thorough investigation. My office will now do everything we can to ensure that justice is done.”
Sam Geller, Lau’s attorney, said in a statement that Lau appreciated the district attorney’s office and SFPD’s thorough investigation.
“This tragedy is something that Ms. Lau continues to mourn while she learns to live with this unspeakable reality. She extends her condolences to the entire family, friends and community of the Oliveira-Pinto family,” Geller said.
Since the crash, advocates have demanded the city respond to the incident by improving pedestrian safety. On March 28, Mayor London Breed announced a series of initiatives, including reducing the number of intersections where drivers can turn right on a red light and speeding up work on “Quick Build” San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency projects, among other safety enhancements.
Major redesign plans for the intersection of Ulloa Street and West Portal Avenue outside the Muni station were halted in April after Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who represents the area, agreed to create a committee to evaluate options. Some residents and businesses had opposed the plans, which would have restricted vehicle traffic.
A revised version of the plan that expands the scope of traffic calming improvements and makes SFMTA will consider other changes based on community feedback on July 16.
Jodie Medeiros, the executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Walk San Francisco, said that it is important for advocates to continue putting pressure on local leaders to make the city safer for pedestrians.
“Losing an entire family to a reckless crash is devastating,” Medeiros said via email. “Walk SF supports the victims and puts pressure on the city to make the necessary changes to keep us all safe so no one loses a loved one again.”
