East County News Service

File photo: SWAT team, courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff

June 30, 2024 (Poway) –Travis Bradley Miller, 34,is in custody following a six-hour SWAT standoff at his home in the 13000 block of York Avenue in Poway

His roommate called 9-1-1 around 1:30 p.m. yesterday o report that Miller attacked him with a box cutter.The roommate had abrasions during the altercation with the suspect. 

By Mike Allen

June 20,2024  (Santee) -- A nasty fight involving 25-30 teenagers at the first of Santee’s Summer Concerts at Town Center Community Park last Thursday resulted in changes in how the city manages the popular event.

Bree Osborne, a spokeswoman for the city of Santee, said the fight began soon after the June 13 concert ended at 8:15 p.m. when a “group of teens and minors caused some issues.”

She said the fight, which was centered around the restrooms at the west side of Town Center Community Park, required the response of an unknown number of Sheriff’s Department personnel, and that arrests were made.

East County News Service

June 16, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Two men and a woman were shot last night outside a residence near the intersection of Dain Court and Jadam Way in Lemon Grove.

Deputies from the Lemon Grove Substation and the Rancho San Diego Station responded to reports of shots fired around 9:40 p.m., but the three victims had already gone to a local hospital.

“There is currently no suspect description. No arrests have been made,”says Lieutenant Joe Barry. The victims are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital and are in stable condition, he adds.

Update May 28, 2024 -- The deceased have been identified as 82-year-old David Soulner and his wife, 79-year-old Claire Soulner. According to the Sheriff's Department, David Soulner fatally shot his wife, then shot and killed himself.

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2024 (Santee) – The San Diego Sheriff’s department is investigating the deaths of two elderly adults found dead with apparent head trauma yesterday morning at their home in Lantern Crest, an upscale senior living facility on Lantern Crest Way.

Deputies responded to a call at 11:25 a.m. yesterday reporting the deaths of an elderly man and woman. Identifies of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of family members.

“Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of these deaths. There are no outstanding suspects and no danger to the community,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh, who adds the an investigation is ongoing.

Nearly all El Cajon crime cases posted on social media have been solved

East County News Service

Image: Free stock photo

May 6, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon Police Department announces success of a new approach to capturing retail thieves. In March, ECPD announced implementation of an innovative crime-solving technique utilizing the power of social media.

This approach aims to swiftly identify suspects and solve cases with greater efficiency, making an immediate and tangible impact on the community and retail theft.

“We are harnessing the power of social media to disseminate information,” said Chief of Police Mike Moulton. “In a matter of minutes, we are able to provide images and descriptions of thieves. Our community has responded by assisting our efforts and giving information that leads to arrests.”

By Miriam Raftery

April 25, 2024 (La Mesa) – Stolen mail, an illegal semi-automatic ghost gun, live and spent ammunition were among the items found in the vehicle of a suspect apprehended April 20 after a pursuit.

La Mesa Police officers responded to a call reporting a man pointing a gun at a female victim at the Jack in the Box restaurant on Jackson Drive in La Mesa shortly before midnight.  The officers spotted a vehicle leaving the scene that matched a description of the suspect’s vehicle.