FBI investigating painter Kinkade

The FBI is investigating artist Thomas Kinkade and company executives over allegations that they fraudulently induced investors to open galleries, then ruined them financially, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

Relying on information from former Kinkade dealers contacted by federal agents, the Los Angeles Times reported that the FBI is focusing on issues raised in litigation brought by at least six former Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery owners.

At least 10 former dealers nationwide have alleged in arbitration claims that the “Painter of Light” exploited his Christianity to persuade people to invest in the galleries, which sell only Kinkade’s work.

The ex-owners say they were saddled with limited-edition prints no one wanted to buy, forced to open stores in inappropriate venues and undercut by discount galleries peddling the same items at prices they couldn’t match.

San Francisco

SUV driver goes on rampage

The driver of a sport utility vehicle plowed across sidewalks and crosswalks throughout the city Tuesday, killing one man and injuring at least 13 people in a series of attacks on pedestrians and motorists, police said.

The man struck people in 12 locations until police surrounded him with squad cars, authorities said.

The spree began around noon in Fremont, where a man walking along the side of the road was hit by an SUV. He was thrown into a field and killed.

The driver then crossed the bay into San Francisco, where he injured at least 13 people during a 20-minute hit-and-run spree, police said. One was in critical condition.

The rampage ended when police arrested the man in the Presidio Heights district.

The driver’s name was not immediately released, but state motor vehicle records show the license plate on the SUV registered to Omeed A. Popal, of Fremont.