Crime Beat

WOMAN SHOT IN WARNER SPRINGS DIES; SISTER CHARGED WITH MURDER

 

Update Sept. 21,2016:  Sheriff's Homicide Detectives have arrested Sandra Leigh Stoneburner, who lived at the Camino San Ignacio address.  She is charged with murder of  the victim,  her sister Carrie Deatherage, 51.

East County News Service

September 17, 2016 (Warner Springs) — A shooting at the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation in Warner Springs has left a woman, 51, in grave condition.  A 57-year-old woman has been detained as a “person of interest” at the scene, says Lieutenant Kenneth Nelson.


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.

TWO CHP OFFICERS INJURED IN LAKESIDE COLLISION

 

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (Lakeside) — A Hyundai Accent that was reportedly racing through a  Lakeside neighborhood ran a light at Julian Avenue and Los Coches Road at 1.a.m.,smashing into a California Highway Patrol car. The crash injured six people, including a CHP sergeant and an officer, said CHP spokesman Kevin Pearlstein.


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.

FORCIBLE ARREST OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAN AT SDSU SPARKS OBJECTIONS FROM STUDENTS

 

East County News Service

September 15, 2016 (San Diego) — An arrest at San Diego State University today sparked protests after videos posted online showed SDSU police officers forcing the African-American man, who was not a student to the groundVideos posted on the Daily Aztec show the man standing on a balcony at the student center near where the rapper Chance was slated to perform when he was tackled from behind.(Warning, strong language). Video does not show events leading up to the incident.  The man, whose identity has not been released, shouted to the officers, “You’re breaking my arms!” and insisted he didn’t do anything wrong. He was arrested after the take-down.

Students took to social media with the hashtag #BlackUnderAttackSDSU.  But SDSU’s president Elliott Hirshman issued a statement indicating the man had jumped a construction fence and had been reported by two callers to be acting erratically.


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.

BEWARE OF GAS PUMP SKIMMING, SHERIFF WARNS

 

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

September 9, 2016 (El Cajon) - Keep your eyes open the next time you fill up at the gas pump. Someone has been installing scanning devices known as "skimmers" inside credit card readers at gas stations. They can steal your credit or debit card information, including pin numbers, and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has partnered with local and federal agencies to investigate these crimes, which include thefts at 7-11 stations in El Cajon. Several arrests have already been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Here are things you can do to protect yourself:


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.

BORDER PATROLOFFICER ARRESTED FOR RECEIVING BRIBES AND SEXUAL FAVORS, LETTING SMUGGLERS THROUGH CHECKPOINT

 

Source: Federal Bureau of  Investigation

September 9, 2016 (San Diego’s East  County) - FBI Special Agent in Charge, Eric S. Birnbaum announced three arrests and  filing of a six count federal complaint against a United States Customs and Border Protection Officer and two co-conspirators, as a result of a public corruption and alien smuggling investigation conducted in 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.

TEEN ARRESTED FOR ARSON IN POINTE FIRE

 

East County News Service

Photo by Kristin Kjaero

September 5, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A 17-year-old was arrested yesterday and is being charged with willfully and maliciously setting fire to forest land, CAL FIRE reports.  The juvenile is believed to be responsible for starting the Pointe Fire on August 17th, which charred 25 acres in Spring Valley, forced evacuation of homes, put the public at risk and injured a firefighter.


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 DOCTOR CHARGED WITH OFFERING DRUGS FOR SEX

 

East County News Service

September 1, 2016 (El Cajon) -  Dr. Naga Raja Thota has been arrested at his office on Navajo Road in El Cajon by the San Diego Drug Enforcement Administration. A pain specialist and anesthesiologist, Dr. Thota is accused of trading prescriptions for opioid narcotic painkillers for sexual acts with multiple women, prosecutors allege.


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.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN GONZALEZ HUMAN TRAFFICKING REFORM LEGISLATION HEADS TO GOVERNOR

 

AB 1708 would implement statutory reforms and increase penalties for purchasers of sex

East County News Service

September 1, 2016 (Sacramento) - Human trafficking legislation by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) that would create minimum penalties for those attempting to purchase sex was approved by the Assembly today on a unanimous 63-0 vote. It will now be submitted to the Governor.


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.

SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR MURDER IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

East County News Service

August 28, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – Mark Peter Waugh, 53, has been arrested for the murder of a man found dead yesterday morning in a home at 430 Verbena Drive in Borrego Springs,

The victim has been identified as Brett Leslie Boynton, 52. The Borrego Sun reports that the deceased worked in the kitchen at Carlee’s restaurant in Borrego Springs.

According to the Medical Examiner, Boynton died of blunt force trama and possible strangulation. His death has been ruled a homicide.


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.

MURDER: MAN FOUND DEAD ON I-8 WAS STRANGLED

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 27, 2016 (San Diego) — The Medical Examiner has concluded that a man found dead on Interstate 8 near the I-15 interchange on the morning of August 19th was strangled.  The victim, a 30 to 40-year old man, has not yet been identified.


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 SEEK SUSPECTS IN RED VAN WHO TERRORIZED WOMEN IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

August 26, 2016 (La Mesa) — Two women in south La Mesa awoke Tuesday around 3 a.m. to the sounds of banging on their front door.  10 News reports the women looked out and saw six people bashing the house and shattering car windows with hammers and a machete.


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.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS ELIGIBLE FOR "CLEAN SLATE" UNDER BLOCK BILL HEADED TO GOVERNOR

 

East County News Service

August 26  2016 (San Diego) -- California’s state Senate today approved a measure which would allow human trafficking victims arrested or convicted of non-violent crimes while they were trafficked to have those charges removed from their records.


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.

ALPINE MAN ARRESTED FOR PHOTOGRAPHING GIRL IN WALMART BATHROOM; SHERIFF SEEKS OTHER POSSIBLE VICTIMS

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — A man with a prior conviction for lewd conduct has been arrested for allegedly photographing a 10-year-old girl in the women’s restroom at a Wal-Mart on Camino Canada in El Cajon, just off of Interstate 8, on August 17th.


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.

GOVERNOR SIGNS GONZALEZ BILL REQUIRING NOTIFICATION WHEN AN ARSONIST WHO MURDERED A FIREFIGHTER SEEKS PAROLE

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2016 (Sacramento) – A new law will require notification of a murdered firefighter’s former fire department when the convicted arsonist seeks parole. Assembly Bill 898, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) was signed into law by the Governor today.


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.

SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED AFTER PHOTOGRAPHING GIRL IN RESTROOM AT WALMART IN EL CAJON

 

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

August 23, 2016 (El Cajon) - Robert Becker is a registered sex offender under arrest on charges of taking cell phone video of a girl in a restroom at Wal-Mart in El Cajon. The investigation is ongoing and Becker is suspected of committing similar crimes in the East County and potential victims are being urged to come forward.


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.

ESCAPED PRISONER HAS TIES TO COLLEGE GROVE, CHULA VISTA

 

East County News Service

August 22, 2016 (Otay Mesa) – The Sheriff has issued an alert asking for public help to locate an inmate who escaped from a prison in Otay Mesa over the weekend.


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.

JUSTICE DEPT: JAILING PEOPLE WHO CAN’T AFFORD BAIL IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 21, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – Jailing poor defendants because they can’t afford bail is unconstitutional and violates the 14th Amendment right to equal protection, the U.S.  Justice Department argued in an amicus brief filed in federal court on Thursday.


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.

U.S. JUSTICE DEPT. TO STOP USING PRIVATE PRISONS DUE TO ABUSES, BUT IMMIGRATION FACILITIES AND CALIF. CONTINUE TO RELY ON FOR-PROFIT PRISONS

 

Story and photo by Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Federal immigration detention facility in Otay Mesa run by Corrections Corporation of America, a private prison company exposed for abusive actions at other locations investigated

August 21, 2016 (Washington D.C.) — Private, for-profit prisons are more dangerous and less effective than government-run prisons, a new report by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General concludes.   On August 18th, Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates announced that the Justice Dept. will be “reducing—and ultimately ending—our use of privately operated prisons.”


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.

SUSPECT DEAD AFTER CARJACKINGS, SHOOTING AND CRASH IN POWAY

 

East County News Service

Photo: ECM news partner 10 News


 

Update August 23,2016: The deputies involved in this shooting have been identified as Deputy Hugh Davidson, Deputy Nikholas Johnson, Deputy David Smith and Sergeant Robert Niderost. Davidson has been employed as a deputy sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff's Department for 2 years, Johnson for 10 years, Smith for 5 years, andNiederost for31 years. All involved deputies are assigned to the Poway Station.

Update August 19, 2016:  The deceased suspect has been identified as Trenton Lohman, 38, of Lakeside. He was on parole from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Cause of death was a thoracic gunshot wound.

August 18, 2016 (Poway) — Deputies opened fire on an armed man who carjacked two vehicles, including a patrol car.  A wild chase along Poway Road ended in the suspect driving into a ravine, where he was found dead.


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.

DUI CHECKPOINT PLANNED IN LA MESA THIS WEEKEND

 

Source:  La Mesa police chief Walt Vasquez

August 17, 2016 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint on August 20th, 2016, at an undisclosed location within the City limits between the hours of 7:00pm and 3:00am. 


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.

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE AND CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT RECOVERED IN STING OPERATION

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 10, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday, Steven Guider, 52, was arrested in the 8200 block of Winter Gardens Blvd. in unincorporated El Cajon. Guider posted $2,000 worth of construction equipment on Craigslist that had recently been stolen from a vehicle burglary in Santee.


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.

DETAILS EMERGE IN SANTEE SWAT TEAM SHOOTING

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 8, 2016 (Santee) — The man who fired arrows from a crossbow at Sheriff’s deputies in Santee and died after officers returned fire during a SWAT team incident Friday has been identified as Santee resident David Michael Moya, 31.


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.

OFFICER JEREMY HENWOOD AND OFFICER DEGUZMAN CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND COMMUNITY EVENT TODAY AT 3 P.M.

 

East County News Service

August 8, 2016 (San Diego) - Mark Arabo is teaming up with the San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA) to hold a memorial ceremony and free barbeque for all San Diego honoring slain officers Jeremy Henwood and Jonathan DeGuzman. Today, there will be opportunity for interviews.


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.

THOUSANDS HONOR MEMORY OF SLAIN OFFICER

 

East County News Service

Photo: San Diego Fire Department, via San Diego Police Department Twitter feed

 

August 6, 2016 (El Cajon – Governor Jerry Brown, California Attorney General Kamala Harris and thousands of San Diegans turned out Friday morning at Shadow Mountain Church in El Cajon to honor the memory of murdered San Diego Police Officer Jonathan DeGuzman. 

Officer DeGuzman died in the line of duty, gunned down July 28 in an attack that also critically wounded his partner, Wade Irwin.

San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman called Officer DeGuzman a “great man” who was liked by everybody on the force.  “As he would approach you, he would flash his big smile, and positive energy was just all around him.” The Chief added that DeGuzman was an outstanding police officer because he “truly cared about everyone.”


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.

SWAT SUSPECT DEAD IN SANTEE AFTER OFFICERS FIRED SHOTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  @SDSheriff.net on Twitter

August 6, 2016 (Santee) – A man who reportedly threatened to kill his mother prompted a SWAT team intervention yesterday afternoon at a home at 9901 Woodglen Vista Drive in Santee.  After the suspect fired arrows at Sheriff’s deputies out the windows, deputies returned fire. A robotic device later confirmed the suspect was dead, said Lieutenant Greg Rylaarsdam with the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail.


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.

SWAT STANDOFF IN SANTEE

 

August 5, 2016 (Santee) -- San Diego Sheriff is advising residents who live near the 9900 block of Woodglen Vista Drive in Santee to stay indoors due to a SWAT stand-off.

The incident began after deptuies were called to a residence for a domestic dispute mid-afternoon.  A suspect believed to be armed refused to come out and a stand-off has occurred.  Scanner traffic indicates the suspect reportedly shot arrows at officers, according to posts at Brush Party Fireline on Facebook.


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.

LA MESA COUNCIL REFUSES GRAND JURY REQUST TO CREATE CITIZENS’ POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD, ACCEPTS RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOMELESSNESS

By Tasha Matthews

ECM Editor Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

August 4, 2016 (La Mesa)--Councilmember Guy McWhirter opened the La Mesa City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 26th by expressing concern for our country in the wake of recent shootings of police officers. He thanked police for their brave work helping to protect citizens—two days before two San Diego Police officers were shot, one fatally.

But the Council rejected a Grand Jury recommendation to create a police oversight board aimed at assuring that citizens’ rights are protected if officer misconduct is alleged. The Grand Jury made its recommendations to La Mesa and other local cities in a report on Citizens Oversight Boards of Police Behavior.


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.

FREEWAY CLOSURES FOR SDPD OFFICER DEGUZMAN FUNERAL PROCESSION FRIDAY

 

Source: Caltrans news release

August 4, 2016 (San Diego) - Motorists are advised to expect delays on East County freeways Friday during the funeral procession for fallen San Diego Police Department Officer Jonathan “JD” DeGuzman.


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.

LA MESA POLICE HOLDS PUBLIC SAFETY FAIR AUG. 6

 

East County News Service

August 4, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Continuing with the National Night Out celebration, the La Mesa Police Department will be hosting its 5th Annual Safety Fair on Saturday, August 6, 2016. The event will begin at 8:00 am and last until 12:00 pm. This event is free to the public and will provide many interactive displays on police related issues; such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and demonstrations by our emergency Special Response Team. We will also display our police vehicles and a Heartland fire truck. In addition, there will be kids fingerprinting and a jump house. Free hotdogs, chips and water will also be provided. The public will be able to take guided tours of the La Mesa Police Department as well.


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.

24 VEHICLES VANDALIZED BY PELLET GUNS

 

East County News Service

August 3, 2016 (Allied Gardens) — Two dozen vehicles have been vandalized by BB or pellet gun shootings over the past week and a half in Allied Gardens and SAN CARLOS, 10 News reports. Some occurred during daylight morning hours.


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