On
March 8, 2010, at approximately 1:30 PM Mr. James Sikes (61) was
traveling eastbound on I-8 from Lake Jennings Park Rd. in a Blue
Toyota Prius. As he attempted to accelerate past a slower moving
vehicle, he noticed that the vehicle seemed be accelerating on its
own.
He
immediately attempted to slow his vehicle unsuccessfully. Reaching
speeds of over 90 mph he called 911. The California Highway Patrol
immediately went through a series of actions with negative results.
CHP Officers
immediately responded to the area were able to locate the vehicle
eastbound I-8 east of Kitchen Creek Rd. A CHP Officer was able to
pull along side and instruct Mr. Sikes via the PA system.
With the Officers
assistance, he was able to slow the Prius to approximately 50 m.p.h.
The Officer then placed his patrol vehicle in front of the Prius
as it came to a stop in the number #1 lane of e/b I-8. The Officer
then placed the patrol vehicle against the front bumper of Prius.
The vehicles did
not touch until after they came to a stop.
CHP Press Release
Amber
Dubois Remains Recovered
03-07-10 Escondido
Ca, At a press conference held Sunday March 7 2010 at the Escondido
Police headquarters, Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher announced a
major break in the thirteen mouth old investigation of the Amber Dubois
case.
Working with the
San Diego Sheriffs office and the FBI; they have located Amber Dubois
skeletal remains that have been positively identified by San Diego
county medical examiner through Amber’s dental records.
Information developed
in the investigation of Amber’s case lead Escondido Police and
Sheriffs detectives to Saturdays’ early morning discovery of
Ambers remains, in the Pala area of San Diego County.
Before Saturday’s discovery, 14-year-old Amber Dubois was last
seen in the early morning of Friday February 13, 2009 while enroute
to her high school.
Extensive searches
and rewards have been conducted and offered for information on the whereabouts
of Amber Dubois but to no avail, until they got the lead that directed
detectives to where they found Amber.
Defendant
Albert Gardner III in Chelsea King
Case Charged With Murder and Rape
03-03-10 San Diego
Ca, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis today announced
that John Albert Gardner III, 30, has been formally charged with murder
and a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission
of a rape or attempted rape in connection with the death of 17-year
old Chelsea King.
Gardner is also
charged with assault with intent to commit rape in connection with
an attack on a jogger in December of 2009. The special circumstance
allegation makes Gardner eligible for the death penalty. A determination
on whether to seek the death penalty will be made by after the preliminary
hearing.
Without the special
circumstance, the charge of murder carries a maximum penalty of life
in prison. Gardner was arraigned in San Diego County Superior Court
at 2:30 p.m. today.
The defendant
pleaded not guilty to the charges and San Diego Superior Court Judge
Joseph Brannigan ordered Gardner held in jail without bail. “Now
that we have filed charges, our primary focus is obtaining justice
for Chelsea King and her family,” said DA Dumanis. “This
crime has touched the entire community and I want to thank the San
Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and all law enforcement
involved with the ongoing investigation for their extraordinary cooperation.
I also want to
acknowledge the dedication of all the volunteers who helped in the
search for Chelsea.” Gardner’s next court date will be
a status hearing on March 9th at 8:30 a.m. in Department 11. A preliminary
hearing date of March 18 at 8:30 a.m. was set in Department 11. Deputy
District Attorney Kristen Spieler has been assigned to prosecute the
case.
“We will be
trying this case and presenting evidence in open court, not in the public
or the media,” said DDA Spieler. At arraignment, the defendant
was represented by the Office of the San Diego County Public Defender.
District Attorney County Of San Diego News Release
Missing girl believed to be Chelsea King found
in shallow grave
03-02-10
San Diego Ca, According to Sheriff Bill Gore search teams located
human remains in a shallow grave Just a couple of yards from the shore
line of Lake Hodges, at just a little after 1:00 pm this afternoon,
in an area where the search had been concentrated not far from the
Rancho Bernardo Community Park area.
Even though there
has been no conformation made they believe they have found Chelsea
King, Sheriff Bill Gore went to the home, of Brent and Kelly King
to share the
information that the search for Chelsea was over.
The sheriff conveyed
the sadness and devastation of the Kings, and asked for every one
to respect the Kings privacy during this extreme time.
John Albert Gardner
III of Lake Elsinore (A Convicted Sex offender) was arrested at approximately
4:20 P.M. February 28th in the 19000 block of Lake Drive in Escondido,
without incident by the Fugitive Task Force for the murder and rape
of Chelsea King. John Albert Gardner III is to be arraigned March 3rd
in department 11 at 2:30 pm, by Judge Joseph Brannigan at 220 West Broadway.
Person
of interest Arrested in Chelsea King case
02-28-10
Escondido Ca, At approximately 4:20 P.M. this afternoon (February
28th), investigators with the Fugitive Task Force arrested 30 year-old
John Albert Gardner III. He was arrested in connection with the disappearance
of 17 year-old Chelsea King.
During the course
of this extensive investigation evidence was discovered that linked
Gardner to Ms. King in such a manner as to warrant his arrest.
At this time it
would be in the best interest for the successful prosecution of Gardner
that the evidence not be revealed in a public forum.
Gardner was taken
into custody outside of a business in the 19000 block of Lake Drive
in Escondido, without incident. He was taken to the Sheriff's Administrative
Center in San Diego, where he is being questioned by Homicide investigators,
which is normal protocol in these types of cases.
This investigation
is ongoing, specific criminal charges against Gardner
are still being determined.
San Diego Sheriff's News Release
San
Diego Police Investigate Death In Linda Vista
03-01-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives
are investigating the death of a male outside his Linda Vista home.
At 11:10 a.m., officers were called to a residence in the 6800 block
of Phillips Court on a report of death. They arrived to find the decedent,
a 56-year-old male, lying outside the basement of the residence. The
male, who appeared to have trauma to his body, was pronounced dead
at the scene.
Homicide Unit
detectives are in the initial stages of the investigation. They are
currently interviewing the decedent’s relatives and writing
a search warrant to examine the victim and search the residence.
The male has been identified, but his name will not be released pending
complete family notification.
San Diego Police News Release
San
Diego Police Make Arrest In 2007 Murder
03-01-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives
have arrested a suspect in the June, 2007 murder of 20-year-old Stephen
Cleveland.
On June 9, 2007,
Cleveland was standing in the 200 block of 65th Street when a dark
SUV stopped near him. One of the occupants exited and shot at Cleveland
several times. Cleveland collapsed in a nearby driveway and died one
hour later.
Homicide Team
III identified two suspects in the case. This afternoon, at 1550 hours,
detectives located and arrested Maurice Tucker, 21, as he drove in
the 6200 block of Imperial Avenue. A second suspect is incarcerated
at a California State Prison, and he will be charged with murder as
well.
Tucker is being processed
at Headquarters, and he will be booked into County Jail for one count
of murder.
San Diego Police News Release
Fire
Heavily Damages Single-Story Home
At
12:30 p.m. this afternoon Heartland Fire & Rescue resources from
the City of El Cajon responded to single-story structure fire in the
2-hundred block of Joyce Street in El Cajon.
Arriving crews found the home well involved with fire, with smoke
and flames coming from the front of the home. With additional assistance
from a San Miguel fire unit, the fire was knocked down in less than
fifteen minutes.
There was one
person home at the time of the fire, and he was able to escape, but
suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to UCSD Medical Center.
There was a dog
and cat pulled from the home by firefighters, and despite resuscitative
efforts, they could not be revived. Another cat remains missing at
this time.
There were no other
injuries reported. Damage is estimated at $150-thousand dollars to the
structure and its contents. The Red Cross will be assisting the man
and his wife with temporary shelter. The cause of the fire is now under
investigation.
City of El Cajon News Release
Deputy
Sheriff Killed In The Line Of Duty
On
February 28, 2010, at about 3:20 AM, Sheriff’s Deputy Collier
was driving westbound on State Route 52 with Sheriff’s Dispatcher
Ryan Debillis riding along.
Deputy Collier
reported he saw a wrong way driver headed towards him in the
westbound lanes of Highway 52 while he was driving westbound on Highway
52.
A few minutes
later the Highway Patrol relayed a report of a patrol car driving
off the freeway. Deputies from the Santee Station responded and searched
the area but were initially unable to locate him so they broadcast
11-99 (Officer Down).
Deputy Collier
radioed dispatch using his handheld radio while Dispatcher Ryan Debillis
used his cell phone to notify the Communications Center they had crashed
in a ravine and needed help. Santee Deputies located the patrol car
and reported it was on fire near a bridge on State Route 52 between
Mast Blvd. and Santo Rd. in Santee.
Deputy Collier
and Dispatcher Debillis both were responsive but had apparently suffered
significant injuries. Paramedics took Dispatcher Debillis to UCSD
Hospital where he is responsive and in stable condition.
An Air Ambulance
took Deputy Collier to Sharp Memorial Hospital where Doctors continued
CPR and other Advanced Life Saving Measures. At about 5:30 AM, Deputy
Collier succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Collier
was assigned to the Marshall's Office for a few years before moving
to the Sheriff's Office during the merger in 2000. Deputy Collier’s
last assignment was at the Santee Sheriff’s Station.
The California
Highway Patrol is investigating the accident and should be contacted
for any questions related to the accident.
San Diego Sheriff's News Release
San
Diego Police Investigate Murder In Otay Mesa West
02-27-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Homicide Unit detectives are investigating
the shooting death of a male in the Otay Mesa West neighborhood.
This morning,
at 6:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of an injured male
on the sidewalk, in the 3500 block of Plumbago Lane. They arrived
to find a Hispanic male who was suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers began
CPR until relieved by paramedics; however the victim died at the scene.
The preliminary
investigation has not revealed a motive for the crime. The victim
has been identified, but his name is being withheld pending complete
family notification.
Anyone with information
on this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293
or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police News release
Father
Arrested For Attempt Murder, Torture,
and Corporal Injury to a Child
02-26-10
Riverside CA, at approximately 1: 12 pm hours, deputies from the Jurupa
Valley Station responded to the 7300 block of Rockridge Rd., Indian
Hills regarding a family disturbance.
Upon arrival deputies
discovered that a 1-½ year old female and a 4-½ month
old female had been bound, gagged and left on a bedroom floor. In
addition to being bound and gagged, both babies had visible injuries
about their face and head.
The suspect who is the babies' natural father, fled from the location
prior to deputies arrival. Additional responding deputies found the
suspect in the neighborhood. He was taken into custody without incident.
The babies’ injuries do not appear to be immediately life-threatening
and they were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Arrested and charged
with 664/187 PC, Attempted Murder, 206 PC, Torture, and 273 (d) PC,
Corporal Injury to a Child, was the babies’ father, Jeremiah
Scott, 23, of Indian Hills. He was booked at the Robert Presley Detention
Center without incident. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.00.
Anyone with additional
information is requested to contact Investigator Layos at the Riverside
County Sheriff’s Department Jurupa Valley Station at 951-955-2600.
Riverside Sheriff’s Press Release
Masked
Man Robs Pier One Imports
On
February 26, 2010, at about 9:21 AM, a man armed with a knife robbed
Pier One Import store in Grossmont Center. The suspect forced the
female
clerk to open the safe while holding an object, possibly a knife,
against her
back.
The suspect left
with an undisclosed amount of cash and was last seen
running into the nearby parking structure. The suspect was described
as a
black male, 20-25 years old, 6 foot tall, 165 pounds, wearing a black
ski
mask, gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and white tennis shoes.
La Mesa Police
Officers, with the assistance of the San Diego Police
Department ABLE helicopter and a San Diego Sheriff’s Department
K-9
Officer, searched the area but were unsuccessful in finding the suspect.
There are no available photos of the suspect.
If you have any
information on this case, please call the La Mesa Police
Department at (619) 667-1400.
You may also call
Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-
TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be
eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an
arrest in this
case.
La Mesa Police Press Release
Multiple
Arrests Made In Operation Pawn Stars
02-25-10
San Diego Ca, In June 2009, a significant street robbery series was
identified in City Heights. The losses reported in these crimes were
usually jewelry and cell phones. In January 2010, Mid City detectives
arrested a juvenile for burglary.
The juvenile confessed
to the crime and revealed there was a local business buying stolen
property. He identified a business on University Avenue. Detectives
through investigative techniques were able to identify other local
businesses buying stolen property. It was believed this contributed
to an “open market” for robbers and other criminals.
The detectives
established a plan on January 28, 2010, utilizing undercover officers
to go into Maria’s and identify them as being in possession
of stolen property. On multiple occasions this property was purchased
by Maria’s employees.
Additionally,
detectives identified two Wireless Connection businesses in City Heights
that were buying property purported to be stolen. Undercover officers
sold property to employees at each of these locations on several occasions.
On February 23,
2010, Mid City Division officers initiated “Operation Pawn Stars.”
Four search warrants were served at the listed businesses and at the
residence of one of the business owners.
Three suspects
were taken into custody, including the owners of both businesses and
an employee. Several hundred pieces of jewelry and cellular phones
were recovered from each location, including the property sold to
the businesses by the undercover officers.
At one business
location a rear room held blow torches and other equipment. Several
melted down pieces of gold jewelry were recovered from this room.
Additionally, approximately $24,000 in cash was recovered from both
businesses.
The investigation
is continuing into other businesses that might be dealing in stolen
property in City Heights.
San Diego Police News Release
Fire
Threatens Neighborhood, Kept to Single Structure
02-24-10
Spring Valley Ca, Within minutes of being reported, a house fire in
Spring Valley went Second Alarm. When Firefighters from the San Miguel
Fire District first arrived on the scene, they witnessed a column
of thick black smoke pouring out from the roof. Flames could be seen
lapping up from locations a block away.
The Fire was reported
by residents at 8906 Switzer Drive at about 10:50 a.m.. By 10:55,
the fire had gone Second Alarm. There were two people inside the house
as the fire started. Residents said they smelled what reminded them
of “burning toast.” When they moved towards the back of
the home to investigate, they saw heavy smoke. They evacuated immediately.
Residents say
there were no smoke alarms in the home, so they did not receive any
“early” warning. Given the age, style and construction
of the home the fire spread quickly. As Firefighters worked to save
the single family structure on Switzer, they also went into a defensive
mode to keep other very nearby homes from catching on fire.
The potential
for multiple fires was high, but fire damage was kept to the single
structure. Two homes, one directly in front and one directly behind
the Switzer home suffered some smoke damage.
Early damages
estimates set the structure and contents loss at $350,000. Given the
dollar loss, fires such as this are investigated by the Sheriff’s
Arson and Bomb Squad.
The preliminary
investigation indicates the cause to be an electrical short. No injuries
were reported. The Red Cross is assisting residents impacted by the
fire.
San Miguel Consolidated Fire News Release
Arrest
for Vehicular Manslaughter
02-23-10
El Cajon Ca, Investigators from the El Cajon Police Department’s
Traffic Unit made an arrest today in connection to a fatal collision
that occurred on January 3, 2010. El Cajon resident Richard Daus was
taken into custody at his home, after police investigators obtained
an arrest warrant for him in connection to the January fatal collision.
In January, Randy
Smith was sitting at a table at the Carl’s Jr. Restaurant on
Second Street when Daus drove his vehicle through the building. Smith
was struck by the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Daus also
suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
El Cajon Police
Investigators have been actively conducting an investigation into
the cause of the collision. As a result, investigators determined
that Daus was driving while intoxicated at the time of the collision.
The case was submitted
to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and charges
were filed against Daus for Felony Vehicular Manslaughter and Felony
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
Police Investigators
obtained an arrest warrant for Daus and arrested him at his home in
El Cajon. Daus was cooperative with investigators and booked into
county jail to await arraignment.
El Cajon Police News Release
Police
Arrest Father In Death Of 4 Month-Old
02-23-10
San Diego Ca, On February 17, 2010, at 7:42 p.m., officers and paramedics
were dispatched to a residence located in the military housing of
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on the report of a non-breathing
infant. Upon arrival of the emergency personnel, they found the infant’s
father performing CPR.
Paramedics continued with life saving efforts and transported the
infant to Children’s Hospital, where he died the following morning.
During the preliminary
investigation, doctors reported the infant had unexplained injuries.
The infant had been in the care of his father, Michael Bixby, a 22
year-old, active duty U.S. Marine. Mr. Bixby was questioned at the
time of reporting the medical emergency, but he was released pending
further investigation.
An autopsy was
performed to identify the cause of death, and at the conclusion of
the autopsy, the Medical Examiner’s Office classified the case
as a homicide. The autopsy determined that Andru Bixby died as a result
of blunt force trauma.
This afternoon, at
12:15 p.m., San Diego Police Homicide detectives arrested Michael Bixby
for the murder of his son.
San Diego Police Press Release
CBP
San Diego Hits Milestone in Currency Seizures
02-22-10
San Diego — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at ports
of entry along the California border with Mexico have seized a total
of over $1 million in currency during outbound inspections so far
this fiscal year.
From October 1, 2009, through Thursday, February 11, 2010, CBP officers
confiscated currency totaling $1.1 million en route to Mexico that
was either undeclared or in the possession of an individual attempting
to evade reporting requirements.
The money was
seized from U.S. and Mexican travelers who were entering Mexico on
foot, by bus, or in vehicles.
In Fiscal Year
2009, the San Diego Field Office seized over $1.4 million during outbound
inspections.
“This achievement
represents a significant milestone in our work to disrupt the drug
cartels by intercepting their ill-gotten gains,” said Paul Morris,
director of field operations for San Diego and Imperial Counties.
“Our success would have not been possible without the tireless
efforts of the men and women of the San Diego Field Office and the
support and cooperation of our federal, state and local partners.”
CBP’s increased
focus on outbound inspections since March 2009 has significantly increased
the cost of doing business for violent criminal organizations and
will continue to serve as a valuable tool in CBP’s efforts to
enforce smart, effective, and strategic border operations, Morris
said.
It is legal to transport currency or monetary instruments totaling
more than $10,000 upon entry or exit from the U.S., however, it is
illegal to fail to declare it to CBP or to conceal it with intent
to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in
seizure of the currency and/or arrest.
U.S. Customs and
Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department
of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection
of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry.
CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of
the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
CBP News Release
San
Diego Police Test High-Tech Tactical Cameras
02-22-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department working with TASER International
will be testing head-mounted audio/ video cameras in a pilot project
lasting sixty days, working with officers from Mid City Division,
Nine officers will be involved in the project.
This system provides
a permanent audio/visual perspective of what
was said and done during the officer’s contact with the public.
The camera is
about the size of a Bluetooth earpiece with a headband
and the recording device the size of a large cell phone.
Police
Investigate Stabbing Death In East Village
02-22-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Homicide Unit detectives are investigating
a stabbing which left a man dead in the East Village area.
This morning,
Sunday February 21, 2010 at 5:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to
a report of a stabbing that occurred in the 1500 block of Island Avenue.
On arrival, the officers found a stabbing victim in the street. The
victim, a 40 year old black male, was transported to a local hospital,
but died at 6:18 a.m.
The preliminary
investigation has revealed the victim was involved in a confrontation
with another male, as he walked on the sidewalk of 15th Street. For
unknown reasons, the suspect stabbed the victim a number of times
and fled on foot, westbound Island Avenue.
The suspect is
described as a black male, approximately 40 years old, wearing black
pants, a black jacket and a black baseball hat. The motive for the
stabbing has not been determined.
The name of the
victim is being withheld until he can be positively identified and
family members can be notified.
Anyone with information
on this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619)
531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
Four
Men Attempt ATM Theft At Supermarket
On
02-22-10 at about 5:13 am, the Chula Vista Police Department received
a 911 call of a commercial burglary in progress at the Vons at 505
Telegraph Canyon Road.
Four male suspects smashed the front doors to the store and pulled
the doors off with a chain tied to a truck.
The suspects tried to tie the chain around an ATM machine in an attempt
to pull it out with the truck.
The suspects were unable to open the ATM or pull it out with the truck
and they fled prior to police arrival.
The suspect vehicle was described as a silver Toyota Tundra truck
and the suspects were described as four males dressed all in black
with masks and gloves.
The truck likely sustained some body damage to the right side quarter
panels. No one was injured in the burglary.
Anyone with information about the burglary is encouraged to contact
the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.
Chula Vista Police Press Release
Rollover
Traffic Accident leaves Driver Dead
On
February 21, 2010 at approximately 2:35 PM a 49 year old male from
Valley Center was traveling northbound on SR-67 north of Slaughter
House Canyon Rd. He was driving 1994 Jeep Cherokee at an unknown speed
in the number two lane.
For an unknown
reason he allowed his vehicle to travel onto the right (dirt) shoulder.
He then over corrected to the left causing the Cherokee to roll over.
The vehicle came to rest on its wheels blocking the number one lane
of northbound SR-67.
The driver was
properly restrained. Unfortunately, he sustained fatal injuries as
a result of this collision.
SR-67 remained
open with the exception of the northbound number one lane for the
duration of the investigation. The cause of this collision is still
under investigation.
CHP Press Release
Sailor
Killed in Accident Aboard USS Ronald Reagan
Feb.
19, 2010 Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. - Electrician’s
Mate Chief (SS/DV) John G. Conyers, 36, of San Diego, assigned to
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) died this afternoon as a result of an electrical
accident aboard the aircraft carrier.
Ship’s medical
personnel immediately implemented life-saving measures; Conyers was
transported via ambulance to Sharp Coronado Hospital, where he was
pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m.
The 11-year Navy
veteran is survived by a wife and daughter.
The cause of the
accident remains under investigation.
Naval Press Release
Forget
The Gym – Get Fit For Free At County Parks More Than 100 Facilities Offers Variety of
Recreational Activities
02-16-10
San Diego Ca, Still struggling with your New Year’s Resolution
to get in shape and lose a few pounds? Help is as close as your nearest
County park or recreation center.
“What’s
unique about County parks is no matter what your fitness or skill
level is, you can find an activity that matches your needs, “
said Brian Albright, Director of County Parks and Recreation. “You
can create your own workout outside or join an organized fitness class,
and you don’t need a membership card to enjoy those privileges.”
County Parks operates
more than 100 facilities, including recreation centers, sports complexes,
open space preserves, hiking trails and campgrounds that offer spectacular
views unmatched by any local gym.
Novices can enjoy
a leisurely walk through Stelzer Park or Los Peñasquitos, or
the advanced hiker can tackle the steep trek up El Capitan Mountain,
Hellhole or Mt. Gower.
Lindo Lake Park
offers a free total body workout with 17 outdoor exercise stations,
or sign up for boot camp classes offered at a minimal fee.
If these activities don’t suit you, there are still plenty of
fitness opportunities to choose from:
• Outdoor
Exercise Pathways – County parks offer many fitness
amenities including exercise stations, playgrounds, basketball courts
and soccer fields.
• Camping
Parks – Eight locations offer unique features including
mineral pools, fishing, hiking and boating.
• Hiking
and Mountain Biking – County parks offer hundreds of
miles of trails for hiking, biking or equestrian riding that match
all skill levels.
• Recreation
Centers – Offer fitness, dance and sports programs
for all ages.
• Sports
Complex – Facilities include baseball fields, basketball
and tennis courts, gymnasiums and even a roller hockey rink.
For information about
any of our parks and activities, visit www.sdparks.org or call 858-694
- 3030.
County parks Press Release
Unfortunate
Accident Leaves Jogger Dead
On
February 16, 2010 at approximately 8:55 AM a 35 year old female from
Lakeside was jogging with her husband and two dogs. They were traveling
north on the west side Los Coches Rd.
For an unknown
reason, the female jogger attempted to cross the roadway.
Unfortunately
did so directly in front of an approaching vehicle. According witnesses
and physical evidence, Ms. Denise Meyers (51, El Cajon) was traveling
northbound on Los Coches Rd. in a 2003 Ford Mustang at approximately
35-40 M.P.H. Ms. Meyers never saw the jogger crossing the roadway
and struck her and the dog in the middle of the northbound lane.
The jogger came
to rest in the roadway and Ms. Meyers immediately pulled to the right
shoulder and stopped. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the on-scene
emergency crews, they were unable to revive the jogger. She was pronounced
on scene.
Due to the nature
of the collision, Los Coches Rd. was temporarily closed and traffic
diverted around the scene. It was later discovered that the female
Boxer that was also struck had returned home.
The cause of this
collision is still under investigation. There is no evidence that
drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.
CHP Press Release
FBI
and San Diego Sheriff’s Arrest Imperial Beach
Man for Serial Bank Robbery
02-12-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter
announces the arrest of Alberto Alatorre, 34, of Imperial Beach, on
bank robbery charges.
Alatorre was arrested at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Oro Vista Drive
in Imperial Beach on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.
He was taken into custody by FBI Agents and San Diego Sheriff’s
Department personnel. He is being held in the San Diego County Jail
awaiting his arraignment which is scheduled for Tuesday, February
16, 2010, at the San Diego Superior Court.
Alatorre was arrested in connection with the following robberies:
November 6, 2009 – North Island Federal Credit Union, 1101 Palm
Ave., Imperial Beach, CA
December 2, 2009 – North Island Federal Credit Union, 1101 Palm
Ave., Imperial Beach, CA
February 5, 2010 – Wells Fargo, 826 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista,
CA,
Alatorre is alleged to have displayed a black semiautomatic handgun
during the FIRST and THIRD robberies.
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the
crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government
meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
FBI Press Release
Seriously
Injured Woman Found by Sheriff’s Deputies
02-11-10
San Diego County Crime Stoppers is joining forces with San
Diego County Sheriff’s Department Vista detectives
to find out what happened to a woman who was found seriously
injured in a parking lot in the city of Vista.
On February
01, 2010, at about 5:50 P.M., Sheriff’s deputies and
the Vista Fire Department responded to a call of an injured
and unresponsive female at the 99-Cent Store strip mall
parking lot, located at 1234 N. Santa Fe Avenue in Vista.
Deputies
found a 66-year-old Hispanic female with numerous injuries
including serious head trauma. She was unresponsive and
was
immediately transported to a local hospital where she is
currently in the
Intensive Care Unit.
Investigators
say the injuries were likely caused by the victim either
being struck by a car, or from a severe beating. They are
asking any witnesses to please come forward to help identify
the persons responsible for this crime.
Investigators
are asking anyone with information on the identity of the
person responsible for this crime to call the Crime Stoppers
anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. Crime Stoppers is offering
up to a $1,000 reward to anyone with information that leads
to an arrest. Anonymous email and text messages can be sent
in via www.sdcrimestoppers.com.
ATF
Offering $5,000 Reward in Arson Fire
02-09-10
Cardiff-By-The-Sea, Calif. – Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres
of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced
today that a $5,000 reward will be offered for information leading to
the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for an arson
fire at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Sometime between 8:00 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2010, and 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 25,
2010, a fire occurred at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
located at 1444 Lake Dr. in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Parishioners observed
that graffiti had been spray painted on two different exterior doors
of their church. Upon further investigation, it was determined that
a fire had been started in the foyer of the church. This damage was
estimated at over $5,000.
The San Diego County
Sheriff’s Department Bomb/Arson Unit and ATF responded to the
scene. They have determined that the fire was deliberately set.
Investigators are
working to locate suspects and determine a possible motive for the fire.
ATF is dedicated to safeguarding the American public by enforcing federal
laws related to arson, Torres said.
We are asking for
the public’s help in our effort to apprehend and convict those
responsible for this heinous crime.
Combining federal and local resources will expedite this investigation,
commented San Diego Sheriff William D. Gore. Having an anonymous tip
line with Crime Stoppers will make it easy for people to provide information.
Anyone with information
on the crime should contact ATF at (888) ATF-FIRE or (888) 283-3473.
People may also
provide information anonymously and receive a reward up to $1,000 by
calling San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
ATF News Release
Vehicle
Pursuit and Assault on a Police
Officer with a Vehicle
On
February 8, 2010, around 8:42 p.m., Deputies Zacharzuk and Roller
responded to a domestic violence call located at 5155 Cedarwood Road.
The incident involved felony vandalism, destruction of a phone line
and preventing a victim from reporting.
The suspect, Malik
Mosi, was not at the residence when they arrived. While deputies were
on scene, the suspect left the area in a U-haul truck. Deputy Roller
attempted to stop the vehicle as it entered the westbound on ramp
to the South Bay Freeway from Briarwood.
A pursuit then
occurred. Deputy Roller chased the vehicle until it exited on Highland
Avenue in National City. The vehicle ran several red lights and stop
signs.
Deputy Roller
terminated the pursuit near 30th and Hoover, not knowing that the
suspect was entering a cul-de-sac. Deputy Roller had stopped his patrol
car in the middle of 30th as the U-haul made a u-turn. The driver,
Mosi, drove directly at Deputy Roller striking the driver side of
his patrol vehicle, disabling the car.
Deputy Roller
was not injured. The suspect continued east of 30th and turned north
on Hoover. A National City Police Officer had pulled off the road
on Hoover after hearing the pursuit had been terminated.
The suspect drove
over the curb and rammed the National City patrol car. The officer
received minor injuries. The U-haul then crashed into a transformer
box and became wedge between the power pole and a fence.
Mosi climbed out
the passenger window and scaled a fence into a business complex. He
cut himself on the razor wire on the fence.
Deputies and officers
followed the trail of blood through the business property. The suspect
climbed another razor wired fence and into a business property located
on Transportation Street.
A perimeter was
set up. With the aid of ASTREA, a K-9 from Santee, Chula Vista and
National City Police Officers, Mosi was located hiding in the business
yard.
He was transported
to Paradise Valley Hospital with lacerations to arms, neck, chest
and back.
Once treated he was
transported to San Diego Central Jail and charged with two counts of
assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony failure to yield
and other domestic violence related charges.
San Diego
Sheriff’s Press Release
Suspect
Arrested In Grantville Robbery
And Sexual Assault
02-03-10
San Diego Ca, At 10:35 P.M., San Diego Police Officers Responded To
4500 Vandever Avenue, In The Grantville Community, Concerning A Sexual
Assault.
The Victim, A
26 Year-Old Female, Was Robbed And Sexually Assaulted Inside Her Apartment
Shortly After She Returned Home.
The Suspect Followed The Victim Into Her Apartment And Was Armed With
A Weapon During The Assault.
After The Assault,
The Suspect Moved The Victim From Her Apartment To An Adjacent Alley
Behind The Apartment Complex. The Suspect Then Fled On Foot.
Officers Immediately
Broadcast The Suspect’s Description Over The Radio. Metropolitan
Transit System Security Officers Detained A Possible Suspect At The
Trolley Station Located At 450 Euclid Avenue At 1:00 A.M.
The Suspect, Londrea
Raymond, Age 19, Had Items Of Evidence Linking Him To The Assault.
Londrea Raymond Was
Arrested And Is Being Charged With Kidnapping, Robbery, Burglary And
Sexual Assault.
San Diego Police News Release
Police Investigate Murder In Rolando Neighborhood
02-02-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit Detectives
Are Investigating the Stabbing Death of A Male This Morning.
At Approximately
4:30 A.M., 22-Year-Old La Donte Collins And Two Friends Were Driving
On 70th Street Near El Cajon Boulevard When Their Vehicle Got A Flat
Tire.
The Group Stopped
At A Gas Station And Called A Cab. While Waiting For The Cab To Arrive,
The Group Walked To The Parking Lot Of The Ace Budget Motel At 7058
El Cajon Boulevard.
When The Cab Arrived,
The Occupant Of A Room Argued With Collins And His Friends, Alleging
That The Cab Was For Him, Not Them.
The Argument Continued
To The North Side Of El Cajon Boulevard, Where The Suspect Stabbed
Collins And Fled On Foot.
Collins Was Transported
To A Trauma Center But Died At 5:29 A.M. The Suspect Was Described
As A Black Male, 6', Wearing A Doo Rag On His Head.
Patrol Officers
Detained A Possible Suspect At The Scene, But He Was Released Pending
Further Investigation.
Anyone With Information
About This Incident Is Encouraged To Call The Homicide Unit At (619)
531-2293 Or Crime Stoppers At (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
Elderly
Man Allegedly Involved In Deadly Hit And Run
1-29-10
At 1902 Hours, 1700 Block Thibodo Road, During A Follow Up To Friday’s
Fatal Traffic Collision In Vista, Sheriff’s Traffic Investigator
Deputy E. Macken Contacted An Elderly Vista Man Who Supplied Information
Leading Macken To Believe The Man Was Involved In The Collision.
The Man’s
Vehicle Was Tentatively Identified As Involved After It Was Examined
And Evidence Collected At The Sheriff’s Lab. The Vista Man
Admitted Hitting An Object In The Road On Friday Evening.
He Learned A
Skateboarder Was Struck And Killed When He Saw The Candlelight Vigil
On Thibodo Rd Saturday Evening.
The Man Contacted
Deputy Macken And The Conversation Led To The Discovery Of The Damage
To His Vehicle.
The Investigation
Is Continuing; Additional Evidence And Statements Need Collecting
And Processing. When Completed, A Decision Will Be Made To Forward
The Case To The District Attorney For Review.
San
Diego Sheriff’s Press Release
Missing
Girl Found in Tijuana River
1-31-10
San Diego Ca, This morning volunteers with Angeles del Desierto
located the body of a small female child between the age of 5-7
years old in the Tijuana River flood area near Monument State Park
in Imperial Beach.
They notified Border Patrol Agents who secured the scene pending
the arrival of San Diego Sheriff Deputies. The area where the body
was discovered was recently flooded in the January rains.
We are aware that this child might be a missing Mexican child who
was lost, in the flood waters of the Tijuana River, with her brother
on the evening of 01/20/10.
We are in the process of pursuing her identity through DNA testing.
We are not aware of any other missing children and are not currently
pursuing any other possible matches.
Her examination has been scheduled. The San Diego Medical Examiner
and Sheriff Office is Investigating
According To San Diego Medical Examiner
Quick
Response Kept Stove Fire In Kitchen
January
30, 2010 San Miguel Ca, Firefighters responded to reports of a kitchen
fire on the 600 block of Water View, just after 7:30 this evening.
When crews arrived they could see flames coming out an attic vent
of the single story home.
A lighting quick
attack in the kitchen area and through the ceiling allowed crews to
completely extinguishing the fire in about ten minutes. By attacking
through the kitchen ceiling Firefighters were able to knock down the
flames in the attic without having to cut holes in the roof. The quick
response and the interior attack kept damage to a minimum.
The homeowner
and his 14-year-old daughter were inside at the time, and were alerted
when several smoke detectors sounded. The homeowner says a pan on
the stove super-heated creating a flash flame, setting the back splash
on fire. The residents called 9-1-1 as they self-evacuated.
A preliminary dollars
loss is estimated at $20,000. The homeowner suffered very minor burns
on his hand when he attempted to put a lid on the burning pan. The Red
Cross was called to provide assistance.
San Miguel Fire News Release
Police
Investigate Murder In Teralta
East Neighborhood
01-30-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit detectives
are investigating the stabbing death of a male on a Teralta East street
last night.
At 6:49 p.m.,
officers were dispatched to a report of a stabbing in the 4000 block
of 46th Street. When they arrived, they found the victim lying in
the 4600 block of Polk Avenue, suffering from several stab wounds.
Officers also found a spray paint can approximately 15 feet from the
victim, and they noticed fresh gang-related graffiti on a nearby wall.
Paramedics transported the victim to a trauma center, but he died
at 7:40 p.m. The victim has been identified as Julian Santiago, 28.
There is no suspect
description at this time. Anyone with information about this incident
is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers
at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
Deadly
Hit And Run Traffic Accident
On
January 29, 2010, Vista Traffic and patrol units responded to a report
of a vehicle versus skateboarder near Thibodo Rd. and Edna Way, in
the City of Vista. When units arrived, paramedics from the Vista Fire
Department were performing CPR on a 15 year old male victim who suffered
major trauma.
The suspect vehicle
fled the scene towards Sycamore Ave. The witnesses described the vehicle
as a white 90’s model Toyota Camry with dark tinted windows
all around, one
headlight out and possible front end damage.
The victim’s
name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
8:55PM Update - the victim succumbed to his injuries while at the
hospital. The Sheriff's Department is urging anyonewith information
on the vehicle or incident to call the Sheriff’s Communications
Center at 858-565-5200.
San Diego
Sheriff’s Press Release
Son
In Custody In Solana Slaying
01-27-10
Solana Beach Ca, on the morning of January 25, 2010, the body of 60
year-old Sherry Chang was discovered in her residence on Santa Florencia
in Solana Beach.
Last night the victim’s son, Bryan Chang was arrested, without
incident, for the murder of his mother at his Los Angeles home.
He has been transported
to San Diego County and booked into the Vista Detention Facility charged
with one count of murder.
At this point in
the investigation no motive has been established, nor are there any
other outstanding suspects wanted in connection with this crime.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide
Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers
at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
San Diego Sheriff’s Press Release
Scripps
Ranch Teen Sentenced to 16
Years-to-Life for Murdering Mother
01-27-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis
announced today that Heather D’Aoust, 16, of Scripps Ranch,
was sentenced to 16 years-to-life in state prison for the May 2008
murder of her adoptive mother, Rebecca D’Aoust.
“This was
a tragic case for everyone involved,” said DA Dumanis. “Hopefully,
Heather will get the mental health treatment she needs while serving
her sentence.”
The defendant,
who has a history of mental illness, was 14-years-old when she attacked
her adoptive mother in the head with a claw hammer in the kitchen
of their Scripps Ranch home on the morning of May 25, 2008, then attacked
her adoptive father, Jim D’Aoust, when he came to the aid of
his wife.
The defendant
told a San Diego County Probation Officer that she had planned to
kill the whole family that morning, including her adoptive parents,
her sister and the sister’s boyfriend.
Heather D’Aoust
pleaded guilty in December 2009 to second degree murder and assault
with a deadly weapon. Superior Court Judge Michael Wellington imposed
the sentence at a hearing this morning. The defendant will be eligible
for her first parole hearing after serving 16 years.
San Diego District Attorney Press Release
U.S.
Attorney Announces Extradition of Individual
Charged in the Death of U.S. Border
Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar
January
28, 2010 SAN DIEGO—U.S. Attorney for the Southern
District of California Karen P. Hewitt announced today the
extradition of Jesus Navarro-Montes from the Republic of
Mexico.
According
to the indictment, previously unsealed in San Diego federal
court, Navarro-Montes is charged in a three-count superseding
indictment with federal narcotics violations and second-degree
murder in connection with the death of U.S. Customs and
Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar on Jan.
19, 2008.
Navarro-Montes arrived today in Houston, where he will be
presented in U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of Texas. Navarro-Montes will be transferred in the coming
days by the U.S. Marshals Service to the Southern District
of California where he will make his initial appearance
there.
According
to the superseding indictment, Agent Aguilar was on duty
on Jan. 19, 2008, in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation
Area in Imperial County, Calif., when he was struck and
killed by a Hummer H2 driven by Navarro-Montes.
The
superseding indictment further alleges that Navarro-Montes
conspired to distribute marijuana beginning at a date unknown
and continuing up to and including Jan. 19, 2008. The superseding
indictment was handed up by a federal grand jury sitting
in San Diego on May 6, 2009, and unsealed on May 14, 2009.
The
superseding indictment replaced an initial indictment handed
up by a San Diego federal grand jury on Feb. 18, 2009, alleging
that Navarro-Montes had possessed with intent to distribute
approximately 445 kilograms of marijuana on Sept. 23, 2007.
If convicted of the charges in the superseding indictment,
the defendant faces a maximum prison sentence of 40 years
on the narcotics charges and a maximum sentence of life
in prison on the murder charge.
The extradition announced today is the result of close cooperation
between the United States and Mexican law enforcement authorities.
The Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office
of International Affairs was also instrumental in achieving
this extradition.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration, and
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Border Patrol - El
Centro and Yuma Sectors.
The
case is being prosecuted in San Diego federal court by Assistant
U.S. Attorneys David Leshner and Todd W. Robinson.
An indictment
is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged.
The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets
its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Department of Justice Press Release
Riverside
Gang with Links to Mexican Mafia
Targeted in Federal Case that Alleges
Methamphetamine Trafficking
01-27-10
Riverside Ca,—Law enforcement authorities this morning
arrested six defendants linked to a Riverside street gang
that is alleged to act under the control of the Mexican
Mafia and to engage in the trafficking of methamphetamine
and other federal offenses that include hate crimes targeting
African-Americans.
The six defendants are among 20 charged in three criminal
complaints filed yesterday afternoon in United States District
Court and unsealed this morning. Nine of the defendants
charged in the federal cases are already in state custody,
in some cases on related charges, and five of the defendants
are currently being sought by authorities.
The federal criminal cases are part of a coordinated crackdown
on the Eastside Riva (ESR), a 20-year-old street gang with
about 500 members that claims territory on the east side
of the City of Riverside.
The federal investigation, which started in November 2008,
led to the criminal complaints that were unsealed today
and allege numerous methamphetamine transactions, as well
as tactics that ESR uses to maintain power and to cooperate
with the Mexican Mafia, to which ESR pays monetary tribute
referred to as “taxes” or “rent.”
Of the three criminal complaints filed in federal court,
two charge single defendants—one with drug trafficking,
one with being a felon in possession of a firearm—and
the third complaint charges 18 defendants.
The main complaint outlines the alleged structure, rules
and activities of ESR, noting that:
- ESR frequently engages in “cruising,” where
ESR members arm themselves with an array of deadly weapons
and travel in groups to rival gang territory to attack rival
gangsters;
- ESR rules require that members of the gang attack individuals
who intentionally or inadvertently enter ESR territory,
whether they are rival gang members or simply innocent bystanders
traveling through ESR territory;
- ESR members use MySpace.com to communicate about gang
business, and they use rap music videos and recordings to
deliver messages of violence and intimidation;
- ESR is hostile to the presence of African-Americans in
ESR territory, even if they are not affiliated with a gang;
and
- ESR relies on the possession of firearms to defend and
maintain its turf, to attack or defend themselves from rival
gang members, and to create an atmosphere of fear in which
victims and witnesses will be reluctant to testify against
gang members out of fear of retaliation.
The investigation into ESR was conducted by special agents
with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, investigators with the Riverside
County District Attorney's Office and the Riverside Police
Department, and special agents with the California Department
of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
“Federal law enforcement authorities have partnered
with local enforcement to take gang members off the streets
of communities across Southern California,” said Acting
United States Attorney George S. Cardona. “As this
action targeting Eastside Riva demonstrates, we will continue
to work with local authorities to go after the worst street
gangs that traffic in narcotics and terrorize neighborhoods
with their violence.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Landrum stated: “Our
communities deserve to exist without fear and intimidation
inflicted by violent drug gangs. Today’s arrests should
significantly impact the violent drug related activity that
has wreaked havoc throughout the eastside of Riverside.
This effort, as part of Operation Promise, is a promise
to our citizens of the continued commitment of law enforcement
at the federal, state and local levels to keep our streets
safe.”
Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI
in Los Angeles, commented: “Law enforcement at the
local and federal levels have once again joined to disrupt
a criminal organization responsible for igniting the violence
which has a paralyzing effect on the law-abiding citizens
of Riverside, and which devastates otherwise peaceful communities.
The crimes alleged in this case have serious consequences
and, if convicted, ESR gang members will spend a good part
of their lives behind bars.”
Those named in the main criminal complaint are:
• Salvador Orozco Hernandez, Jr. (aka “Toro”
and “Tio”), 45, of Bloomington, a Mexican Mafia
member currently in state prison on attempted murder charges,
who is accused of issuing directives to senior ESR members
on topics including “tax” collections and drug
distribution in ESR territory;
• Robert Zavala Carrillo (aka “Pato”),
37, of Moreno Valley, accused of being the de facto leader
of the ESR gang and the president of an ESR clique, who
is a fugitive;
• Christopher Nevarez (aka “Flako), 38, of Riverside,
the alleged liason between the ESR and the Mexican Mafia,
who is currently in state custody on a parole violation;
• Ronnie Marquez (aka “Shadow”), 41, of
Riverside, allegedly a senior member of ESR who is in custody
awaiting trial on drug and weapons offense;
• Ignacio Chavez (aka “Kartune”), 32,
of Riverside, a senior member of ESR who is in custody awaiting
trial on charges of attempted murder and drug traficking;
• Mark Gil (aka “Papa” and “Little
G”), 35, of Moreno Valley, a senior member of ESR,
who is a fugitive;
• Andrew Pacheco Moreno (aka “Drew”),
37, of Fontanam, who was arrested this morning;
• Daniel Henry Padron (aka “Danny Boy”
and “Sneaky”), 33, of Riverside, who is currently
incarcerated after being convicted of drug trafficking;
• Jose Arredondo (aka “Tony”), 40, of
Hemet, who is currently incarcerated after being convicted
of drug trafficking;
• Johnny Gomez, 44, of Riverside, who was arrested
this morning;
• Nateno Moreno (aka “Shorty”), 32, of
Riverside, who was arrested this morning;
• Vanessa Garcia (aka “Pookie” and “Erica”),
22, of Riverside, who is in custody on a parole violation;
• Allexxis Olonna Smith, 24, of Riverside, who is
currently incarcerated after being convicted of carjacking;
• Chris James Garcia (aka “Chuco”), 42,
of Riverside, who was arrested this morning;
• Rudy Tovar (aka “Dinky”), 30, of Riverside,
who is currently incarcerated after being convicted on drug
trafficking charges;
• Paul Cortez (aka “Wiskers”), 22, of
Riverside, who was arrested this morning;
• Allan Patrick Staley (aka “Paya”), 37,
of Riverside, who is a fugitive; and
• Deanna Wagner, 33, of Riverside, who is a fugitive.
The other two defendants charged are: David Martinez, 37,
who was arrested this morning after being charged with possession
with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and Ronnie Granado,
42, a fugitive who is charged with being a felon in possession
of a firearm.
The six defendants arrested today are expected to make their
initial court appearances this afternoon in United States
District Court in Riverside. As for the nine defendants
currently in state custody, the United States Attorney’s
Office expects to file writs to have them brought into federal
custody.
Authorities
continue to search for five of the defendants named in the
federal cases A criminal complaint contains allegations
that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant
is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, each of the 19 defendants charged with narcotics
violations faces a maximum statutory sentence of life without
parole in federal prison. Granado faces up to 10 years in
prison if convicted of the weapons violation.
Department of Justice Press Release
California
Supreme Court Rules Pension Case
01-25-10
San Diego Ca, More than four years after charges were first filed,
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced today
the California Supreme Court has released a mixed ruling on a case
involving former members of San Diego’s pension board.
Six former members
were charged with violating the state conflict-of-interest law after
the trustees improperly allowed the city to underfund the pension
system and linked that approval to boosted retirement benefits.
Today, the high court unanimously affirmed an appellate court’s
ruling regarding defendant Ronald Saathoff, paving the way for him
to be brought to trial on conflict of interest charges. At the same
time, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s ruling on
the remaining five defendants, effectively stopping the case against
them from proceeding forward.
“We respect today’s decision by the California Supreme
Court,” said DA Dumanis. “We will continue to aggressively
pursue conflict of interest matters within our community, as honest
and open government are essential qualities which must be vigilantly
maintained.”
Former San Diego
pension board members Cathy Lexin, Ron Saathoff, John Torres, Mary
Vattimo, Terri Webster and Sharon Wilkinson were charged in May of
2005 with three felony counts each of violating conflict of interest
statute that is part of the government code.
In January of
2006, a San Diego County Superior Court ruled there was sufficient
evidence to permit the case to proceed to trial.
A trial was delayed while defense challenges were heard by appellate
courts.
The 4th District Court of Appeal allowed the case to move forward,
but the defendants challenged that ruling.
The California
Supreme Court heard oral arguments on November 4, 2009. No date has
been set for Ronald Saathoff’s trial.
San Diego District Attorney Press Release
Solana
Beach Homicide Investigation
01-25-10
Solana Beach Ca, This morning (January 25th) at about 11:35 A.M.,
deputies responded to a caller’s request for a welfare check
at 966 Santa Florencia in Solana Beach.
The caller identified
himself as being a co-worker of a female who lived at that residence
who failed to report for work this morning.
When deputies entered the house, they discovered the body of an adult
female (currently not positively identified).
Due to the condition of the decedent, with respect to her injury(s),
as well as evidence observed in the residence, investigators are characterizing
this incident as a homicide.
At this point in the investigation, there is no established motive,
nor suspect(s), for this crime. Anyone with information about this
incident should contact the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, after
hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477).
San Diego Sheriffs Press Release
La
Mesa Homeowner Confronts Thief
01-25-10
La Mesa Ca, at approximately 7:21 AM, January 25, 2010, La Mesa Police
Dispatcher received a 911 cell phone call from a resident in 4500
block of Olive Ave., La Mesa.
The resident reported
that a male had just stolen copper wire from his
yard and confronted the suspect in his yard. The suspect dropped the
copper wire and ran away, with the resident in foot pursuit.
After a short
chase, the suspect spun around and assaulted the resident with a knife
that he stole from the resident’s boat. The resident retreated
and called La Mesa Police on his cell phone.
A witness in the
4400 block of Culbertson Ave. (one block to the east of the victim’s
home) reported seeing a male who matched the suspect description get
into a truck and speed away northbound on Culbertson Ave.
The suspect was
described as a white male adult in his thirties, with "buzz cut"
hair, wearing a green sweatshirt with a hood, and dark colored pants.
The suspect vehicle
was described as a 1980's mid size truck (similar to a Ford Ranger),
dark blue in color with worn looking paint, a construction rack over
the bed with an aluminum ladder on it. The resident/victim was not injured
during this crime.
La Mesa Police Press Release
Parole
Board Denies Release of Convicted
Murderer Betty Broderick
01-21-10
San Diego Ca, San Diego District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced
today that parole has been denied for Elizabeth “Betty”
Broderick, 62, who was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder
in the 1989 killing of her former husband Dan Broderick and his wife,
Linda Kolkena Broderick.
The case spurred
national media coverage, several documentaries, books and a made-for-television
movie. “I’m proud of our office’s work to keep this
inmate behind bars where she belongs,” said DA Dumanis. “We
handle hundreds of parole hearings each year, doing our best to make
sure dangerous criminals are not released and crime victims are given
a voice. That’s exactly what happened today.”
This was Broderick’s first hearing before the Board of Parole
Hearings. She was convicted in 1991 and is currently serving a sentence
of 32 years-to-life at the California Institution for Women in Corona,
California.
Deputy District
Attorney Richard Sachs appeared on behalf of the People of the State
of California at today’s hearing to argue that Broderick remains
an unreasonable risk of danger to society. The District Attorney’s
Office also argued Broderick has not developed appropriate insight
or remorse.
Various members
of the Broderick and Kolkena families also attended the hearing and
provided victim impact statements regarding the effects of the crime
upon their families and the unsuitability of the inmate for parole.
On November 5,
1989, Broderick illegally entered the home of her ex-husband, Dan,
and his new wife, Linda, in the early morning hours. She went up the
stairs to their bedroom as they slept and unloaded her five-shot revolver
into their bodies.
The victims dove
for cover in their bed when Broderick started firing. After being
shot in the back, Dan Broderick fell off the bed and attempted to
reach for the telephone to call for help.
Betty Broderick calmly
walked around the bed, grabbed the phone, pulled it from the wall and
dumped it in the hallway out of reach. She left the scene and was captured
later that day. Mr. Broderick was 44-years old and his wife, Linda was
28-years old.
San Diego District Attorney Press Release
Chameleon
Bandit Sentenced to Federal Prison
01-21-10
San Diego, Ca—United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt announced
that Miguel Dario Florez was sentenced today in federal court in San
Diego by United States District Judge William Q. Hayes to serve 57
months in custody based on the defendant’s conviction for five
counts of bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code,
Section 2113(a).
In addition to
the custodial sentence, Judge Hayes ordered that Florez serve a three-year
term of supervised release following his release from prison and pay
$10,462 in restitution to Wells Fargo Bank ($5,136) and Bank of America
($5,326). Florez tendered his guilty pleas on September 21, 2009.
According to Assistant
U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman, who prosecuted the case, Florez admitted
to robbing five banks in the San Diego area between May 22, 2009 and
June 2, 2009.
Florez, nicknamed
the “Chameleon Bandit” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
because he changed his appearance at every bank robbery, took $10,462
from the five banks during his two-week crime spree.
He was arrested
on June 2, 2009 by the Chula Vista Police Department after a patrol
officer received a radio broadcast with a description of a robber
who had just completed a heist at a Wells Fargo Bank in Chula Vista,
California.
The officer observed
an individual matching the description of the robber near a city bus
and detained the individual, later identified as Florez.
Following Florez’s
arrest, the officer discovered a demand note in Florez’s pocket,
which read: “This is a bank robbery. Give me all of the money
from your drawer. No ink bombs and no GPS.”
United State Attorney
Hewitt praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
the Chula Vista Police Department in bringing this case to a successful
conclusion.
Department of Justice Press Release
SAN
DIEGO/IMPERIAL COUNTIES CHAPTER
OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS RESPONDS TO
FOUR DISASTERS IN ONE DAY
San
Diego County, January 20, 2010 - The American Red Cross is hard at
work locally and responded to four residential disasters on Tuesday,
January 19, 2010. The incidents were located in the Alpine, Chula
Vista, Lakeside and Logan Heights areas of San Diego County.
At 11:30am, a team provided emergency assistance to one adult in Alpine
whose single-family home caught fire, supplying that person with lodging
for two nights, food and groceries.
A Red Cross team
responded at 2:10pm to a mobile home fire in Chula Vista, which destroyed
a home affecting three families. Lodging for two nights, food, groceries,
clothing and shoes was supplied to the clients.
In the Lakeside
area, 3 mobile homes were destroyed by a large tree when it fell onto
them due to high winds and stormy conditions. A Red Cross team responded
at 3:37pm and provided emergency assistance consisting of food, groceries,
clothing, and lodging for two nights for one client.
Finally, at 5:30pm
on Wednesday, the South response team reported to an apartment in
Logan Heights flooded by the storm, which caused major damage displacing
a two families; seven adults and one child. The Red Cross provided
emergency assistance with lodging for one night, food and groceries,
shoes, storage bins, trash bags, comfort kits, a teddy bear and referrals
to other service organizations.
Volunteers from the
San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross are on
call 24 hours a day and are trained in various aspects of disaster response,
including casework interviews, damage assessment, shelter, feeding,
health services, and crisis counseling. This chapter responds to a disaster
nearly every 24 hours.
American Red Cross Press Release
Traffic
Collision Is Now Being Investigated
As Suspicious Death
01-20-10
Rancho Santa Fe Ca, On Saturday evening (January 16th), a vehicle
belonging to Robert Stonebreaker was discovered next to a roadway
in Rancho Santa Fe.
Evidence at the
scene suggested that the vehicle had been involved in a single car
crash. As such, this case was initially investigated as a traffic
collision by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The next morning the body of Stonebreaker was discovered on the driveway
of a private residence in the same general area as the collision.
During the course of the post mortem examination, evidence was revealed
that the fatal injuries sustained by the victim were not consistent
with injuries normally associated with this type of traffic collision.
It was at this time
that the Medical Examiner’s Office contacted the Sheriff’s
Homicide Detail. At this point, Sheriff’s Homicide investigators
are working in conjunction with the CHP on this case, which is now being
investigated as a suspicious death.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide
Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers
at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
San Diego Sheriff’s Press Release
Killer
Storm Topples Tree Leaves One Dead
El
Cajon Ca, On January 19, 2010, strong winds from a major winter storm
toppled a large eucalyptus tree onto several mobile homes, at a mobile
home park located at 15141 Old Highway 80 causing severe damage to
the homes.
Emergency personnel
were summoned to the scene and within moments, they had found the decedent
a 58-year-old woman inside her mobile home pinned under the tree. Due
to her extensive injuries, her death was confirmed at the scene.
According To The Medical Examiner's Office.
Multiple
Agencies Search For Possible
Survivors After Boat Capsizes
01-16-10
SAN DIEGO — The Coast Guard responded to a report of an overturned
boat with an unknown number of suspected illegal migrants aboard just
off of Torrey Pines State Park this morning.
The San Diego
Police Department alerted the Coast Guard to the overturned vessel
at 4:30 a.m., an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter , a 33-foot response boat,
and the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter were dispatched to respond to
the search, with the first Coast Guard assets arriving on scene at
4:50 a.m.
Customs and Border
Protection, San Diego Fire and Rescue, San Diego Police Department,
San Diego Lifeguards, and San Diego Sheriff's Department also responded
to assist with the search.
As of 7:30 a.m.,
Customs and Border Protection has reported that a total of 15 people
are accounted for. Six of the people are in the hospital and nine
have been taken into custody. The search continues for any more missing
passengers.
"Attempting
to enter the United States illegally is inherently dangerous and is
made much more so when done on overloaded vessels without proper communications
and safety gear. Navigating a vessel through a surf zone at night
without lighting or proper vessel design is irresponsible and likely
to result in this type of mishap.
The quick arrival
on scene by San Diego first responders saved several lives this morning,
which is a testament to their training and preparation. This is the
third event in as many weeks endangering lives at sea and resulting
in people being hospitalized.
It is fortunate
for all involved that Department of Homeland Security officers were
in a position to detect this mishap and quickly called the San Diego
Police, Life Guards, and Fire Department," said Capt. Thomas
Farris, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego.
Press release
Early
Morning House Fire Lights Up Night Sky
01-16-10
San Miguel Firefighters laid enough hose to cover the length of seven
football fields during the fight to save a Granite Hills home. The
fire was reported at 12:51 Saturday morning on the 800 block of Van
Horn Road.
As crews responded
witnesses say flames shot up about 40 feet into the air. Narrow streets
and a very long driveway required Firefighters to lay out about 2000
feet of hose to reach the multi-story, single family structure. Four
trucks were needed to pump water to the all wood structure.
Two people were home when the fire broke out. They evacuated the safely
using their bedroom balcony. A mild early morning wind carried embers
to the west of the structure and ignited grass in a field next to
the structure. Those spot fires were quickly put out by hand.
Due to the rapid spread of the fire and the intense heat, San Miguel
Firefighters moved into a defense mode. Meaning it was determined
the house could not be saved, so all efforts were focused on keeping
the fire from spreading to other nearby homes.
It only took minutes
for about 70 percent of the structure to collapse. No other structures
were damaged. Crews worked into the early morning eliminating all
hot spots.
The structure is considered a total loss. In addition several vehicles
were damaged; however the family’s two dogs and several of their
pet birds were saved.
The investigation
into the cause of the fire is underway. No dollar loss has been set,
but it will be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. No injuries
were reported.
San Miguel Fire News Release
Mexico
Marks another Success against Drug Cartels
January
13, 2010 DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart congratulated
the Government of Mexico on the capture of Eduardo Teodoro “El
Teo” Garcia Simental, one of the world’s most violent
and brutal drug traffickers.
“Today another
Mexican cartel leader was taken off the street and is no longer able
to carry out his bloody turf war. This arrest is one more demonstration
of the growing capacity of the Government of Mexico to bring major
drug traffickers to justice,” said DEA Acting Administrator
Michele M. Leonhart. “This was not an isolated event: it exemplifies
the growing effectiveness of our information sharing with the Calderon
Administration, and our continued commitment to defeat the drug traffickers
who have plagued both our nations.”
In addition, U.S.
Ambassador Carlos Pascual congratulated the Calderon Administration,
SSP Secretary Garcia Luna, and other federal and Baja California State
authorities on the capture.
Since his break
in 2008 with the Arellano Felix organization, Garcia Simental was
responsible for many of the kidnappings and murders in Tijuana over
the past two years.
“This latest
arrest again demonstrates that cooperation between Mexico and the
United States is producing results. Mexico’s operational capacity
is growing. We continue to improve our sharing of information.
The Mexican government
is unrelenting in its determination and commitment, Ambassador Pascual
said.” “El Teo” is under indictment in Mexico on
five counts, including drug trafficking, racketeering, and homicide.
He also could
face other charges in the United States. Following last December’s
operation against the Beltran Leyva organization, this action underscores
that these criminal syndicates are not beyond the reach of Mexican
justice.
DEA Press Release
Convicted
Ponzi Mastermind Indicted by Grand Jury
for Setting up New Scams
01-13-10
San Diego Ca, Defendant Previously Stole $24 Million, Re-Targets Filipino
Community. San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis and
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Slotter today announced a Grand
Jury indictment charging Edmundo Rubi, 52; Joseph Encarnacion, 59;
Benjamin Hebron, 51; and Gloria Hebron, 53, with 54 felony counts,
including Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, Securities Fraud,
Sale of Unqualified Securities, Grand Theft, Perjury, Foreclosure
Consultant Fraud, and Rent Skimming.
The defendants
face up to 15 years in state prison if convicted.
"Defendant Rubi brazenly ignored the conditions of his parole
and went right back to committing the same types of crimes,"
said DA Dumanis.
Rubi was convicted
in 2005 for masterminding the so-called "Knights Express"
Ponzi scheme which swindled $24 million from 425 victims, most of
whom were members of the Filipino community living in the South Bay.
In meetings in
homes and a Mission Valley office, he sold investors on the idea that
his companies would purchase U.S. government obligations at a discount
overseas and sell them at a profit.
Rubi was convicted
and sentenced to 70 months in custody but was on supervised release
when he began the new scam.
Rubi was re-arrested
last July after a joint investigation between the San Diego County
District Attorney’s office and the FBI.
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge
Keith Slotter commented, "Mr. Rubi’s recidivism into this
type of crime demonstrates his disregard for engaging in legitimate
business practices. The FBI is committed to investigating individuals
who plot these types of schemes which bilk many out of their hard-earned
dollars, homes and life savings."
The new indictment
alleges that Rubi and Encarnacion recruited former victims of the
"Knight Expresss" Ponzi scheme, as well as others from the
San Diego Filipino community, to participate in an investment scam
dubbed the "Apocalypse Trust" and "Amerisian Trust."
As part of the
scam, 22 people quitclaimed 34 properties into various fraudulent
trusts, owned by Rubi and administered by Ben and Gloria Hebron. Rubi
was prohibited at the time from having any contact with investors
or financial accounts as part of his federal parole.
FBI Press Release
San
Diego Police Department Continues its stepped
Up DUI Enforcement
01-13-10
San Diego Ca, The holiday season is over and the start of the New
Year is upon us.
The San Diego
Police Department will be staffing a DUI checkpoint in San Diego on
Thursday January 14, 2010 targeting those who still don’t heed
the message to designate a sober driver.
In 2008, 11,773
people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider
with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In California
1,029 were killed on state and local roads driving with a .08 BAC
or higher with another 28,457 injured in Alcohol Involved Collisions.
“Drunk driving
is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself
or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or
an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Christopher
J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Violators
often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher
insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of
other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are
over the limit, you are under arrest.”
Law enforcement encourages
everyone to “Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911” and
be ready to describe the vehicle, its location and direction of travel
to make your community safer into the New Year. With everyone’s
help, families won’t remember 2010 as a time of loss at the hands
of another drunk driver.
San Diego Police Press Release
Del
Norte High School Girls’ Soccer Coach Arrested
01-07-10
San Diego Ca, On January 6, 2010, Northwestern Division patrol officers
responded to Del Norte High School, located in the 4S Ranch area of
San Diego, concerning possible inappropriate text messages sent by
Robin Alarcon to a student.
Alarcon was a
walk-on, assistant freshman girls’ soccer coach at the school.
The messages were sent to the student the evening of January 5, 2010.
The student informed
school officials about the messages the next day and school officials
immediately contacted the San Diego Police Department. Detectives
from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force also responded
to the school. Alarcon was located and arrested at the high school.
Alarcon was also
the girls’ lacrosse coach at Mt. Carmel High School in the Rancho
Penasquitos community and is a girls’ club soccer coach for
a team in Rancho Penasquitos. Administrators from Del Norte High School,
Mt. Carmel High School and the Poway Unified School District are cooperating
with this investigation.
Alarcon was booked
into the San Diego Central Jail and has been charged with sending
harmful matter to a minor and communicating with a minor with the
intent to commit a sexual act.
Alarcon’s
bail is set at $75,000 and he is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday,
January 8, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 12 of the San Diego Superior
Court downtown.
Anyone with information
concerning this investigation is asked to contact the San Diego Police
Department at (619) 531-2000.
San Diego Police Press Release
County
Announces Mass H1n1 Vaccination Events
01-07-10
San Diego Ca, The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency
(HHSA) announces a series of five H1N1 mass vaccination events for
San Diego County residents, beginning with a clinic this Friday at
Qualcomm Stadium.
“We would like to remind County residents that H1N1 is still
very active in our communities,” said Dianne Jacob, Chairwoman,
San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
“These H1N1
vaccination clinics are a great way for those who have yet to be vaccinated
to come in and get their H1N1 vaccine.
“This is a true public health effort by the County to get people
vaccinated, and by getting your H1N1 vaccine, you’re not only
protecting yourself but protecting your loved ones and neighbors.”
The H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone, regardless of age.
“Immunization of the community is a shared responsibility,”
said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, San Diego County Public Health Officer.
“We encourage
everyone to do their part in protecting their communities, families
and themselves against H1N1.”
Currently, there
are approximately 41,000 H1N1 doses available for the general public
at the following five clinic sites located throughout San Diego County:
Saturday,
Jan. 9
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - East Valley Community Center, 2245 East
Valley Parkway, Escondido, 92027
Friday,
Jan. 15
3:00 – 7:00 PM - Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas
Avenue, El Cajon, 92020
Saturday,
Jan. 16
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Kimball Senior Center, 1221 D Avenue, National
City, 91950
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Westfield Plaza Camino Real, 2525 El Camino
Real, Carlsbad, 92008
H1N1 Weekly Update: There are no additional H1N1-related deaths to
report. San Diego County has had 786 hospitalized cases of H1N1 to
date.
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