The State - News from March 30, 1988

A couple walking in San Francisco’s financial district were injured when they were struck by a cast-iron light post catapulted into the air by the impact of a speeding 1965 Buick. After crashing into the light pole, the driver continued down the street, smashing into three other cars before he stopped his vehicle and ran. John Svendson, 45, and his wife, Patience, 48, visiting from Reno, were taken to San Francisco General Hospital after they were hit by the light pole. John Svendson underwent surgery for severe head injuries and a broken femur and his wife was listed in stable condition with undetermined injuries, a hospital spokeswoman said. The runaway driver was tackled by a traffic-control officer in the area and blood samples were forcibly taken to determine whether the man, whose identity has not been released, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.