September 9, 2014 (Alpine)--This isn’t the kind of “rock art” that hikers in the backcountry want to see.

Vandals have defaced numerous large boulders at Wright’s Field preserve in Alpine with graffiti tags, including pornographic images and swastikas, the Back Country Land Trust reports.

Update: Torillo was captured Tuesday night at an El Cajon motel.  He will face charges of escaping custody in addition to drug-related charges.

September 9, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The Sheriff has issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for Don Andrea Torrillo, a prisoner who escaped custody from Central Jail just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday. He was last seen wearing a dark sleeveless shirt with a star in the middle, khaki shorts and slippers. He has a tattoo on his left bicep shoulder area. He has short brown hair and eyes.

September 8,2014 (La Mesa)-- Travelodge Motel at 7911 University Avenue, La Mesa, was robbed by a suspect armed with a black handgun last night at 8:20 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University campus police have issued an alert warning students that a sexual assault occurred early this morning at 1:39 a.m. at the Granada Apartment complex on Hardy Avenue.

East County News Service

September 2, 2014 (Campo) – Over the objections of Campo residents and Supervisor Dianne Jacob, San Diego County Superior Court Judge Margie Woods has ruled that a convicted child molester can be released to live in Campo starting in late October.

By Miriam Raftery

August 29, 2014 (La Mesa)--Two security officers caught on video beating a passenger on a trolley in La Mesa on August 18^th have lost their jobs, Transit Systems Security has informed Metropolitan Transit System. MTS contracts with TSS to provide security services on trolleys and busses countywide.

“This incident never should have happened and we will take all appropriate steps internally and with TSS to help prevent future occurrences,” said MTS Chief Executive Officer Paul Jablonski in reference to the altercation between a passenger and two TSS security officers. “We do not tolerate that kind of behavior.”

August 25, 2014 (La Mesa) - East County news partner 10 News has tracked down the man shown in a video being beaten aboard a trolley in La Mesa on September 18^th by MTS security officers.

View video of beating (warning, disturbing content):  http://www.10news.com/news/investigations/video-security-officers-beat-man-on-trolley

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2014 (La Mesa) – Two security officers for Metropolitan Transit System have been suspended after security video revealed the officers knocking a man across the aisle and then beating him for nearly seven minutes, 10 News reports.  10 News obtained the video through a public records request after receiving a complaint from Lynn Riggs, a passenger who witnessed the beating aboard the trolley in La Mesa on August 18. 

“He was not trying to get away, he was just trying to avoid getting further injured,” she said.  “I just watched them beat him and beat him and beat him with the baton.”  At one point, officers paused, then began violently beating the man again, seemingly without provocation.  The witness called the behavior “out of control.”

August 21, 2014 (Spring Valley) -- The Sheriff's Homicide Detail wants your help in solving the murder of Larry Hargis. This case has remained unsolved for more than 40 years.

August 15, 2014 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police seek public help to locate a man who robbed the Riviera Supper Club at knifepoint, injuring an employee.

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2014 (El Cajon)--Last October, an 18-year-old student was held at knifepoint by a man who forced her into her car at Grossmont College, then began sexually assaulted her. But thanks to a passerby who saw her struggling and honked his horn, the assailant ran off and the victim was freed.

August 7, 2014 (Spring Valley)--The Sheriff's Department wants your help in identifying and locating a man who robbed a bank in Spring Valley.

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2014 (La Mesa)--A La Mesa coffee shop has been victimized by patrons passing counterfeit bills, La Mesa Today reports.

August 2, 2014 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, August 5^th, the City of La Mesa will participate in National Night Out. Every August, La Mesa Neighborhood Watch groups organize fun and informative community events with their neighbors and friends to promote crime prevention and strengthen police and community partnerships. Members of the La Mesa Police Department and City officials will meet with these groups to share information and field questions about neighborhood and city concerns.

August 1, 2014 (San Diego)—You’re invited to join the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for its free Night Out Against Crime events on Tuesday, August 5^th.  There are locations countywide, including some in East County.