April 12, 2011 (Ramona) – A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted between 11 p.m. and midnight Friday night while walking in an alley in Ramona, behind businesses located between Main and B Streets, the San Diego Sheriff’s office reports today. The male assailant wore a dark, hooded sweatshirt; no other description is available at this time.

According to Lt. James Bolwerk, the teen is a Ramona resident. “The Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to always travel in pairs, stay in well lit areas, and be aware of their surroundings,” a release from the Sheriff’s office states.

April 8, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Jack Messina, a parolee described by Sheriff’s officials as a “person of interest” in a 1995 cold-case killing in Texas was airlifted out of an East County canyon Friday.

Messina failed to report to his parole agent, according to a press release issued by the Sheriff. He was found in an intersection at Sweetwater Springs Blvd. and Jamacha Blvd. with a GPS tracking device running low on battery. Deputies found him “very drunk” with his foot in a soft cast on a trail muddy from the recent rain.

April 7, 2011 (San Diego) – California Highway Patrol officers are on heightened alert after two shootings around 7:10 a.m. this morning on Highway 163 in Kearny Mesa. One shot wounded a USD student and another bullet lodged in a vehicle owned by a Rancho Bernardo man.

Police shut down the freeway and found about 10 shell casings from a small-caliber gun along the side of the freeway between the Clairment Mesa and Balboa exits. There is no evidence to indicate that either victim was targeted.
 

April 5, 2011 (Otay) -- The suspect killed in yesterday's early morning robbery and shootout at the Apple store in the Otay Ranch Mall  has been identified at Alex Somphonh Choulamontry, age 23. According to Chula Vista Police, Choulamontry was a documented gang member and on active California State parole. Choulamontry had convictions for theft, possession of controlled substances, driving under the influence and false identification to a peace officer.

Swift action by Police and Border Patrol  canine patrol led to capture of two suspects; Robbery may be part of a series of storefront “smash and grabs”

Update 7:15 p.m.:  The two suspects arrested have been identified as Johnny Chenda, 25, and Melissa Ortiz, 21.  Both are charged with commercial burglary and conspiracy. The third suspect, who died, has not yet been identified.  The security guard has been identified as Jose Jimenez, 58, with Security Industry Specialists in Culver City.

April 4, 2011 (Otay Mesa) – Chula Police Chief David Bejarano has provided an interview with East County Magazine moments after returning from the scene of a fatal shooting at Otay Ranch Town Center shopping mall. He disclosed chilling details of a brazen robbery attempt that ended with one suspect dead following a hail of bullets and a massive response by law enforcement to seal off and search the neighborhood.

April 2, 2011 (San Diego) – A 74-year-old man assaulted his 64-year-old neighbor at 246 Euclid Street, San Diego over allegations that the victim’s dog was bothering the suspect’s kittens. According to San Diego Police Officer David Stafford, the suspect struck the victim in the face with a broomstick, then went home to retrieve a knife, returned and stabbed the victim in the stomach.

March 25, 2011 (Alpine) – The Alpine Sheriff Station is hosting a free “Kidzwatch” crime prevention program on Friday, April 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program, held during spring break, is open to ages 7-11; parents are welcome but are not required to attend.

March 25, 2011 (San Diego) – An armed suspect at San Diego Police headquarters has led police to call for non-lethal forces, Incident Page Network reports. According to ECM news partner 10 News, the man is armed with a knife and mentally unstable.

March 22, 2011 (La Mesa) – A witness who saw a 95-year-old woman knocked to the ground in a robbery this evening chased two suspects, La Mesa Police report. Police are seeking two suspects in a maroon 2000-2004 Nissan Ultima 4-door vehicle.

March 18, 2011 (San Diego) -- His phone rings in the middle of the night. He works around the clock tracking down killers. Now after 29 years on the job, Lt. Dennis Brugos is trading in his badge for the laid-back lifestyle of a retiree. His last day is on March 30th.

Lt. Brugos came face-to-face with many horrendous crimes during his time on the force. His work is difficult, but he says nothing is more gratifying than bringing a killer to justice and closure to families who have lost loved ones.

 Update 6:30 p.m. - The suspect has been arrested after homicide investigators learned that he checked into Grossmont Hospital under an assumed name, Lorenzo Marcario.  He has been charged with murder.
 

March 14, 2011 (Jamul) – The San Diego Sheriff’s office has issued a special bulletin seeking public help to locate Miguel Medina Sanchez, 32, also known as Macario Lopez Merino.

He is wanted for the murder of Maria “Irma” Palos De Rubio, 44 at 15677 Lyons Valley Road on Saturday, March 12th.

March 11, 2011 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Officer Anthony Arevalos has been arrested by the department’s sex crimes unit for sexual battery, false imprisonment and assault under the color of authority, San Diego Police announced today.

According to police, Arevelos stopped a female motorist, 32, as she was driving out of downtown after Tuesday night’s Mardi Gras revelry. She was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and the officer is accused of sexually battering the woman during the traffic stop.

March 10, 2011 (Lemon Grove) –Three people were stabbed at the Sportsman’s Pub in Lemon Grove last night at 11:22 p.m. According to Sgt. William Hout with the San Diego Sheriff’s substation in Lemon Grove, two are in critical condition and the third victim is in serious condition.

March 7, 2011 (La Mesa) – A lone gunman made off with cold cash stolen from the Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt Store at 5640 Lake Murray Blvd. last night around 9:25. The suspect displayed a handgun and ordered two employees to empty the safe, then deposit the money in a paper bag. He then forced the employees into a closet and blocked the closet door with chairs.