‘Drank too much beer’: Bartender convicted in Bay Bridge van fire

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A Pittsburg man who worked as a mobile bartender last year when he admittedly “drank too much beer” and drove home on the Bay Bridge — before his tire blew out and van subsequently caught on fire — was convicted on Wednesday, said prosecutors.

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said Ian Henneberry, 40, was convicted after a trial by jury of driving under the influence in the city’s Richmond District.

According to testimony and evidence presented during the trial, on Sept. 19, 2024, at 11:30 p.m., “the sparks from him driving on the rim caused his van to catch on fire and filled his van with smoke.”

Henneberry called 911, and California Highway Patrol said its officers arrived to perform a blood test of Henneberry, which revealed a BAC of 0.119 — one and a half times over the legal limit.

“Driving under the influence is dangerous and unlawful,” said SF D.A. Brooke Jenkins in a news release. “Those who engage in this conduct put themselves and the public at risk.  My office takes these cases seriously and will continue doing our part to hold offenders accountable and keep the public safe.”

“The jury saw the facts for what they were—an impaired driver over the legal limit,” added Assistant District Attorney Corliss Brekken.