‘No indication’ Australian CEO was assaulted in San Francisco, SFPD says

(KRON) — The San Francisco Police Department is pushing back against reports that an Australian CEO was assaulted while in San Francisco. SFPD told KRON4 Thursday that there is “no indication” that Grain Producers Australia CEO Colin Bettles was assaulted or was the victim of a crime.

Other media outlets have reported otherwise, such as one website saying Bettles was “viciously bashed by thugs.” Bettles was reported missing after he was found unconscious on Market Street on July 4.

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News outlets reported that Bettles was in an “induced coma” after an attack that left him with a fractured eye socket and without his phone and wallet.

However, police said Bettles was in possession of his items when he was found at San Francisco General Hospital on Monday. Surveillance video does not support claims of an attack, SFPD said.

“The investigation revealed that Bettles was found unconscious on the 1000 block of Market Street shortly after 11 p.m. on July 4. Paramedics transported him to San Francisco General Hospital,” police said. “SFPD reviewed surveillance video from the scene and found no indication that Bettles was assaulted or the victim of a crime. He was in possession of his property at the hospital.”

SFPD said it is working to find Bettles and investigate how he was injured, including seeking out witnesses and surveillance footage. Anyone with information is asked to call SFPD at (415) 553-0123.

“SFPD wishes Mr. Bettles a speedy recovery,” police said.

Bettles’ bio for Grain Producers Australia says he has been its CEO since 2021. Before that, he worked as a journalist with Rural Press/Fairfax Media.

KRON4 has reached out to Grain Producers Australia for further comment and is awaiting a response.

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