Omeed Aziz Popal, 31, is accused of targeting 16 pedestrians during a 15-minute span on various city streets and sidewalks on the afternoon of Aug. 29, 2006.

One victim sustained major injuries and is now a quadriplegic.

Popal is charged with 16 counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of battery on a police officer, and one count of reckless evasion.

Asked if he wished to enter a not guilty by reason of insanity plea to all the charges, Popal responded, "Yes, your honor."

Popal has a "substantial documented history of severe psychiatric disorders," according to his attorney Sandy Feinland.

Assistant District Attorney James Thompson said he expected the insanity plea, but called Feinland's claims "an overstatement."

The case is scheduled to return to court May 16 for a scheduling hearing and June 11 for the receipt of a court-ordered evaluation of Popal by a psychiatrist and a psychologist.

Meanwhile, Popal is also awaiting trial in Alameda County on one count of murder for allegedly fatally striking 54-year-old Stephen Jay Wilson in a hit-and-run in Fremont about 45 minutes before the San Francisco attacks.

(clo)