Dec 5
Suspect in hospital stabbing was Ward 86 patient, SF Sheriff’s office says
John Ferrannini READ TIME: 2 MIN.
A patient at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center's famed HIV/AIDS ward is implicated in the stabbing of a social worker, authorities said.
A December 4 news release from the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office stated that a 35-year-old male patient of Ward 86 was at the hospital for a scheduled appointment, when, at 1:30 p.m. December 4, additional security was called after a doctor received threats.
“While providing security for the doctor, our sheriff’s deputy heard a disturbance unfolding in the hallway involving the suspect, who was attacking a social worker,” the release stated. “The deputy intervened immediately, restraining the suspect and securing the scene.”
San Francisco police issued a news release Friday afternoon identifying the suspect as Wilfredo Tortolero Arriechi, 34, of San Francisco.
Tortolero Arriechi was booked into San Francisco County Jail for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, mayhem, and being armed during the commission of a felony, according to police.
The unidentified UCSF social worker, 31, “sustained multiple stab wounds, including injuries to the neck and shoulder. Medical staff on site performed lifesaving measures, including CPR. The victim was transported to the operating room in critical condition,” according to the release. Deputies recovered a five-inch kitchen knife believed to have been used in the attack, the release stated.
The release did not name the suspect, though it stated he was apprehended. The release also stated the doctor had allegedly been threatened before by the suspect.
“The Sheriff’s Office is maintaining security on the sixth floor,” the release stated, referring to the location of Ward 86. “Hospital staff and patients in the vicinity were understandably shaken, but there is no ongoing threat to the public. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.”
Mayor Daniel Lurie was introducing the city’s incoming police chief Derrick Lew nearby as the events unfolded.
“It’s deeply upsetting to have a front-line worker injured while doing their job serving our city,” Lurie stated. “Our social workers spend every day helping struggling San Franciscans – they should never have to fear for their safety while doing that work.”
The sheriff’s office didn’t return a request for comment Friday.
The San Francisco Standard reports that there was no weapons detection system in place at the hospital, despite past safety concerns.
Police officials stated that although an arrest has been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.
Updated, 12/5/25: This article has been updated with information about the suspect from SFPD.
