El Cajon Police

HOSTAGE SITUATION ENDS SAFELY AFTER SUSPECT FIRED SHOT AT POLICE IN EL CAJON

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

December 25, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police negotiators have successfully ended a stand-off with a man who was holding a woman hostage and fired at police through the door.  10 News reports that after a breakup with his girlfriend, he brought flowers and a gun, pleading with his ex-girlfriend's mother to allow him to see his son. 

 

After negotiations lasting nearly three hours, the suspect surrendered to police. No one was injured during the incident.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN COLLISION IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

December 18, 2015 (El Cajon) – A motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries in a collision with a silver Hyundai shortly before noon today in the 1600 block of Pepper Drive in El Cajon.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: DOUBLE RAINBOW OVER EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

Robert Gehr captured an image of this double rainbow arcing over the El Cajon Police Station.

Secondary rainbows are caused by a double reflection of sunlight inside the raindrops, and are the colors appear as mirror images. In Chinese mythology, a double rainbow, due to its reversal of colors, represents the movement from earth to heaven and is considered to be a sign of future success.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE REACH OUT TO PUBLIC TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, ANNOUNCE PLANS TO BEEF UP ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC RULES

 

View pedestrian safety video from El Cajon Police: http://vimeo.com/116996655

By Miriam Raftery

November 3, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon has had 13 pedestrian fatalities in the past 20 months. In the prior 36 months, there were 10 fatalities. So in half the time, there have been double the number of pedestrian deaths. 

“That concerns us a great deal,” Police Chief Jim Redman told community members at a public safety forum held last month at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, where the department reached out to share safety tips, hear community suggestions, and advise about a new enforcement campaign aimed at saving lives.  A “Check before you step” campaign aims to educate the public on how to prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DONALD RAY LEWIS WANTED FOR SLAYING OF JAMES MELVIN CRAWFORD JR. IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Suspect Donald Ray Lewis, considered armed and dangerous

August 21, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have identified the victim in a fatal shooting on August 19th as James Melvin Crawford Jr., an El Cajon Police.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DRIVER SOUGHT WHO HIT FIRE HYDRANT, CAUSED DAMAGE

 

July 27, 2015 (El Cajon ) – El Cajon Police are looking for the driver of a black Mercedes sedan who fled the scene after striking a fire hydrant near the intersection of Ballantyne Street and Madison Avenue in El Cajon on Monday.  The collision caused a 40-foot-high water geyser that damaged several trees nearby, but did not damage homes.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PROWLER SUSPECTED OF FLASHING RESIDENT ARRESTED IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Glendale Police

June 25, 2015 (El Cajon) – A rap music artist suspected of breaking into a home and exposing himself to a 30-year-old woman, as well as stalking a 17-year-old girl is now in custody. El Cajon Police arrested 32-year-old Von Ryan Manago, said Lt. Frank La Haye.

Manago has been charged with indecent exposure and burglary. He had previously been arrested for burglarizing a woman's home in Glendale while she was sleeping in 2012.  According to a Glendale News-Press article, Manago is a rap musician who goes by the rapper name Nem-Iz. Born in New Jersey, he has also lived in Raleigh, North Carolina and is the CEO of Writer's Blokk Media, an Indie music label.

For crime buffs out there, here are the bare facts of how police tracked down the prowler flasher suspect.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BURGLARS USED OBITS TO TARGET HOMES ACROSS EAST COUNTY AND SAN DIEGO

 

East County News Service

June 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – El Cajon Police has arrested three people charged with a dozen residential burglaries between January and May in El Cajon, Spring Valley and San Diego.  According to Lieutenant Frank La Haye with the El Cajon Police, the thieves targeted people attending funerals of their loved ones.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON CLARIFIES POLICIES ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT POLICE DEPT.

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 3, 2015 (El Cajon) – In response to reports of multiple sexual harassment  and sexual misconduct claims against the El Cajon Police department through the years, we asked City Manager Doug Williford how many women are on the police force, including management. We also asked what policies have been put in place that aim to prevent sexual harassment.

Williford sent our request to Jim Lynch, director of human resources for the City of El Cajon. Lynch provided this response:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON CITY MANAGER DEFENDS DECISION NOT TO FIRE OFFICER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT; CITIZENS ASK FOR JUSTICE DEPT. PROBE

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2015 (El Cajon) – At the El Cajon City Council meeting on Tuesday, several members of the public spoke out to ask that Officer Richard Gonsalves be fired or put on administrative leave pending outcome of a lawsuit by a woman claiming sexual harassment.  Gonsalves has been demoted, but remains on the force.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LAWSUIT IS LATEST IN STRING OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS AT EL CAJON POLICE

 

An East County Magazine special report

By Miriam Raftery

March 24, 2015 (El Cajon)--An East County Magazine special investigation reveals a long string of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct claims involving the El Cajon Police Department, dating back over the past two decades.  Following a recent sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the ECPD, victims and witnesses to past sexual crimes and alleged sexual misconduct have come forward to speak with ECM about other cases.

Bonnie Price, who is organizing a protest rally Tuesday at 2:15 outside El Cajon's City Council, contends that the Police Department has a "culture of sexual harassment" that may be overly conducive to such actions.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER’S EDITORIAL: SEX AND THE CITY (OF EL CAJON)

 

By Robert Clark

March 23, 2015 (El Cajon)-- The headline in the San Diego Union-Tribune reads "Women's sex-harassment suit accuses El Cajon cop." 

 The story, however, is not about the sexual harassment suit just filed against Sergeant Richard Gonsalves of the El Cajon PD. (That suit is described  in Miriam Raftery's ECM posting of March 10, 2015.)  The U-T story was published on March 6, 2004, about a suit filed against El Cajon Sergeant Gary Ryno for sexual harassment by four current or former women employees of the Department. The suit also claimed that "Ryno conspicuously wore female undergarments to work . . ."  As of today, I have been unable to determine the outcome of the suit, but will keep searching.

 In another incident reported in the Los Angeles Times on May 22, 2007, former El Cajon police officer William Taylor was sentenced to five years in prison "for demanding sexual favors from women he had arrested."


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BARRICADED SUSPECT ARRESTED IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

March 8, 2015 (El Cajon )—A suspect who vandalized the Villa Serena Motel, attacked the manager, then barricaded himself inside has been arrested.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORT

 

 

East County News Service

January 25, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Here are some of the most important items on agendas of our local boards, commissions and councils this week in San Diego’s East County.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE RECOVERS $188,500 WORTH OF CARS PURCHASED FRAUDULENTLY

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested a woman suspected of fraudulently buying at least seven vehicles at dealerships in El Cajon and San Diego.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON MOVES FORWARD ON POLICE BODY CAMERAS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 11, 2014 (El Cajon ) – By a 5-0 vote, El Cajon’s City Council voted Tuesday to have a study done on the feasibility of body cameras for the city’s police force.

Councilman Gary Kendrick, author of the proposal, told East County Magazine that his research found body cameras elsewhere have reduced complaints against police officers by 80% and that assaults against police officers went down 57%.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED AFTER PURSUIT IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 19, 2014 (El Cajon)—Hector Miranda, 34, is under arrest after a police pursuit across El Cajon in which the suspect’s car side-swiped two other vehicles. Undercover El Cajon Police investigators and Fugitive Task Force members were searching for Miranda, the prime suspect in a stabbing who was also wanted on a felony violation of parole warrant.

Crimestoppers described Miranda as “a violent felon with a history of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, burglary, and numerous narcotics offenses.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

POLICE PITCH IN TO HELP HEROIC TEEN WHO LOST FAMILY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2014 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Police Officers Association (ECPOA) has pitched in to try and lift the spirits of an immigrant teen who suffered life-threatening  injuries trying to save his mother’s life. 

The boy, 15, nicknamed “Buddy”, moved to  El Cajon 15 months ago with his mother and adult brother, after his father was kidnapped in Iraq.  His father has not been seen or heard from since, and is presumed dead, said Travis Howard, vice president of the ECPOA.

But now, Buddy is without both parents--and his brother.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SON ARRESTED FOR MURDERING MOTHER IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2014 (El Cajon)—El Cajon Police have arrested Virgil Dion Richmond, 25, who is charged with the stabbing murder of his mother, Diane Mosley, 59.

Mosely’s body was found inside her residence in the 800 block of Friendly Circle after officers responded to a 911 call of a possible stabbing.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE OFFICERS SHOOT MAN WHO TRIED TO TAKE CHILDREN, AIMED GUN AT OFFICERS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2014 (El Cajon) – A man who tried to take his children from his estranged wife at gunpoint.  Jose Albert Garcia, 34, later aimed his weapon at officers and has been shot in the chest, Lt. Tim Henton with the El Cajon Police reports.

Officers responded to a 911 call from Garcia’s estranged wife, who told officers he was at her door demanding that she give him their two children. Officers arrived and spoke with Garcia in the driveway, but he was “uncooperative” and refused to follow orders, Lt. Henton said. “He showed officers that he had a gun in his waistband, and eventually drew the gun.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER'S EDITORIAL: DAUGHTER'S TESTIMONY RAISES QUESTIONS AT ALHIMIDI TRIAL

 

By Robert Clark

Photo: Shaima Alawadi

April 6, 2014 (El Cajon)--The body of Shaima Alawadi, 32, was found by her daughter Fatima (then 17) on March 21, 2012. She  told El Cajon police that she was asleep upstairs, heard her mother "squeal," followed by the sound of broken glass. She thought perhaps her mother had dropped a plate, and waited about ten minutes before going downstairs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BURGLAR BUSTED ACROSS STREET FROM POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2014 (El Cajon)—El Cajon Police received a 911 call on March 14 at 12:26 p.m. from a resident who came home to find a burglar in his home in the 300 block of Kentucky Avenue—across the street from the police department.

The homeowner wasn’t spotted by the thief, so he was able to notify policy without alerting the suspect, said Lieutenant Rob Ransweiler. The suspected exited the home, carrying a bag of the victim’s belongings. The victim told police the direction in which the suspect was heading.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN HATCHET ATTACK ON JEWELER IN EL CAJON

 

January 24, 2014 (El Cajon)—Travis Scott Kelley, 23, of San Diego has been arrested for assaulting the 75-year-old owner of Hamlin Jewelers in El Cajon with the blunt end of a hatchet.  He is charged with attempted homicide, armed robbery, elder abuse and more.

A La Mesa man, Ali Armeen Toombs, 21, is also in custody for driving the getaway car.  Toombs faces charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and robbery.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE SEEK HELP TO FIND MAN WHO ATTACKED HAMLIN JEWELERS' OWNER WITH A HATCHET

 

 

January 23, 2014 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have released surveillance photos of a suspect who assaulted the owner of Hamlin Jewelers with the hammer end of a hatchet. The suspect is wanted for attempted murder and armed robbery.

The suspect apparently entered the business at 2234 Fletcher Parkway on a ruse to buy merchandise. After viciously assaulting the owner, the suspect fled to a waiting Toyota 4-Runner with possible partial license of 4XU245; it may have been silver or tan in color and was driven by an unidentified accomplice.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE TO SET UP DUI/DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECKPOINT TONIGHT

 

December 28, 2013 (El Cajon)-- The El Cajon Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on December 28, 2013, at 500 Broadway between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes.  Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON, LA MESA POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME ON AUGUST 6

 

August 1, 2013 (San Diego's East County) – On Tuesday, August 6, the El Cajon Police Department will be holding a National Night Out community event in the parking lot of the El Cajon Police Station located at 100 Civic Center Way from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Enjoy a wide variety of booths and displays from numerous organizations offering health and safety information with a special emphasis on ways you can better protect your family, your home and your vehicle.  Emergency vehicles will be on display and there will be a K-9 demonstration. For more information, please call (619) 579-4227.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GUNFIRE, K-9 DEPLOYED IN ARREST OF FUGITIVE IN EL CAJON

 

July 30, 2013 (El Cajon) – A fugitive who rammed a police car in El Cajon is under arrest, along with his companion.  The arrests followed a pursuit that resulted in a police officer opening fire and a K-9 dog biting the fleeing suspect.

At 2 p.m. on July 30, El Cajon Police offers spotted the wanted fugitive, Ali Alkafaji in the 1300 block of North Johnson. Officers in marked patrol units attempted to stop the vehicle, assisted by a California Highway Patrol officer. According to police, the suspect intentionally rammed a police sergeant’s vehicle and then accelerated toward the CHP officer, who was out of his car on foot.

According to Lieutenant Frank La Haye, “The suspect continued in the CHP officer’s direction, attempting to run him over. The CHP officer, fearing for his life, fired several rounds at the suspect’s vehicle.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DRIVER COMES FORWARD IN FATAL HIT AND RUN

 

February 19, 2013 (El Cajon) – A driver sought by El Cajon Police following the death of a pedestrian has now contacted the Police Department and is cooperating with authorities.

Based on the preliminary investigation, an adult approximately 70 years of age was wearing dark clothing and attempting to cross the roadway near the intersection of Avocado Avenue and Carter Street this evening, when he was struck by a Toyota Camry traveling southbound on Avocado.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE SEEK WITNESSES TO FATAL HIT AND RUN

Update 11:55 p.m. -- The driver has come forward to contact police. For details, see: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/12514

February 19, 2013 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Police Traffic division is now investigating a hit and run collision involving a pedestrian tonight. A male pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing mid-block along Avocado Avenue near Carter Street just after 6:00 p.m. this evening. Avocado Avenue was closed between Chase Avenue and Washington Avenue for the investigation.

The Traffic Division is requesting witness information. If you have any information regarding this fatal collision, please call our 9-1-1 Dispatch, at (619) 579-3311.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON POLICE OFFICER SHOOTS BICYCLIST IN FACE

January 18, 2013 (El Cajon ) – Raymond Lee Goodlow, 53, of El Cajon is hospitalized after being shot multiple times by an El Cajon Police officer at 9:29 a.m..   According to police, Goodlaw was illegally riding his bicycle on the sidewalk and refused to pull over when an officer attempted to stop him in the 1300 block of East Main.

Police and witnesses say the officer ordered the man to halt and get down on the ground, but that instead, Goodlaw reached into the waistband of his pants.  Fearing that he had a gun, the officer fired several times, witnesses report.

Goodlow did not have a gun. He did, however, have two knives  that were discovered by paramedics while treating his injuries, Lt. Tim Henton said.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages