SFPD Announces Arrests in Anti-Bike Rampage, Pearla Louis Suitcase Murder Cases

By Peter Jamison Fri., Jun. 4 2010 at 6:01 PM

Categories: Breaking News, Crime

Lee Bell has been arrested for the 'suitcase murder' of Pearla Ann Louis

San Francisco Police Chief George Gascon announced this afternoon that suspects have been arrested in two serious police investigations: The case of a rampaging motorist who drove an SUV into four bicyclists on Wednesday night and the murder of Pearla Ann Louis, whose body was found stuffed into a suitcase floating in San Francisco Bay less than a month ago.

Police have not yet released the name of the man who assaulted the bicyclists, but said he was arrested today after he tried to report his car stolen to police in Albany. (SFPD Lieutenant Lyn Tomioka said the man is believed to be an Albany resident.) After the attacks, the car was abandoned and the driver disappeared. He has been charged with four counts of attempted murder, four counts of felony assault, and four counts of hit-and-run, according to police.

Police have also arrested San Francisco resident Lee Bell, 47, for the murder of Louis, whose body was found last month in a suitcase floating near Folsom and Embarcadero. Speaking at today's press conference, SFPD homicide inspector Michael Dudoroff said Bell and Louis "had a relationship" but would not comment on a motive for the killing.

Another evil car was on the road Wednesday night

Gascon said that the three cyclists who were admitted to the hospital for injuries sustained Wednesday night -- one escaped with minor wounds and was treated at the scene -- are all in stable condition.

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