Crime Beat

ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA SHARES TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS AVOID SCAMS AND FRAUD WHILE SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Source:  California Department of Justice

November 23, 2022 (Oakland) - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today provided consumers with tips on how to shop safely this holiday season. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, Californians can take action to help protect themselves from scams, fraud, and other consumer-related issues. 


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THANKSGIVING DUI PATROLS

Increased DUI patrols throughout holiday weekend

November 23, 2022 (San Diego) - Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year with millions of people hitting the road to get to their holiday destinations.


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SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR MURDER IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

November 22, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- Two men have been arrested for the murder of 32-year-old Jorkim Rose in Spring Valley. Authorities believe the killing was gang related.


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REPORTED SUICIDE IN SPRING VALLEY SUSPECTED TO BE HOMICIDE

By Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating the death of Mario Munguia, 21, in Spring Valley.

On November 7 shortly after 3:30 p.m., deputies from the Rancho San Diego Patrol Station received a call reporting an attempted suicide in an apartment in the 3700 block of Fairway Drive, Spring Valley. Deputies found Munguia dead with an apparent gunshot wound in his upper torso.


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WEAPONS CACHE INCLUDING ASSAULT RIFLES SEIZED IN IN LA MESA AND SAN DIEGO; TEEN ARRESTED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  some of the weapons and drugs seized

November 12, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Harrison Lee Stone,18, was arrested Wednesday under suspicions of trafficking after SWAT teams seized large caches of guns and drugs at homes in La Mesa and San Diego, ECM news partner NBC 7 reports.


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SEX TRAFFICKING STING RESULTS IN 30 ARRESTS, INCLUDING IN SANTEE

East County News Service

Photo: CC via Bing

November 12, 2022 (San Diego) -- As part of a joint investigation through the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF), California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Nov. 7 announced results of “Operation Century Week.” As a result of the four-day operation, 30 individuals were arrested for alleged solicitation in San Diego, Santee, National City, Encinitas and elsewhere.


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SUSPECT SOUGHT IN SHOOTING OF JUVENILE IN LAKESIDE

East County News Service

November 12, 2022 (Lakeside) – Deputies at the Lakeside Sheriff’s substation are investigating the shooting of a juvenile shortly before 1 a.m. on  November 6 near El Capitan High School.

Deputies found the victim near the intersection of Mapleview and Ashwood streets, suffering from a gunshot wound in the back. The victim was transported by paramedics to a hospital.


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SAN DIEGO COUNTY GRAND JURY LOOKING FOR NEW APPLICANTS

Application period is open through January 20, 2023

Source:  Superior Court of San Diego

November 10, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego Superior Court is now seeking dedicated residents with sound judgment from throughout the county to serve on the 2023/2024 San Diego County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury investigates citizen complaints and performs its traditional function as a “watchdog” over government agencies. It does not conduct criminal investigations.


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THREE FAMILY MEMBERS ARRESTED FOR SUSPECTED ABUSE LEADING TO DEATH OF SPRING VALLEY GIRL, 11

Victim was adopted daughter of Rock Church elder and ministry leader

By Miriam Raftery

November 8, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack of Spring Valley. Those arrested are the child’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, 49, and Leticia McCormack’s parents, Stanley Tom, 75, and Adella Tom, 49.  All are charged with torture and willful cruelty to a child; Stanley Tom and Leticia McCormack have also been charged with murder.


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DOCTOR CHARGED IN SANTEE INMATE’S DEATH

East County News Service

Photo by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

October 26, 2022 (Santee) – Today, the District Attorney announced that Dr. Friederike Von Lintig will be charged in the death of Elisa Serna, an inmate who died on November 11, 2019 at  the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Facility in Santee.  


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MAN DIES AFTER ALTERCATION IN SPRING VALLEY, SUSPECT ARRESTED

East County News Service

October 21, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A 61-year-old man has died at a local hospital after sustaining a head injury yesterday during a fight in Spring Valley.


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LA MESA POLICE RECEIVE $100,000 GRANT TO DETER UNSAFE BEHAVIORS AND INCREASE ROAD SAFETY

Source: La Mesa Police Department

October 19, 2022 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police Department has been awarded a $100,000.00 Grant to deter unsafe behaviors and increase safety on roads  LMPD will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney said. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”


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“WALK LIKE MADD” IN MEMORY OF DEPUTY COLLIER OCT. 22

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

October 19, 2022 (San Diego) -- Twelve years ago, San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Collier was killed while trying to stop a driver who was drunk and high on drugs going the wrong way on SR-52 in Santee. His life was cut short robbing his family of a son, brother and fiancé, and his coworkers of a valued colleague.


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ARREST MADE IN MURDER OF JASIAH WHITE

East County News Service

October 19, 2022 (El Cajon) - El Cajon Police today announce the arrest of Obaida Saad Ramadhan of El Cajon for the August 19 murder of Jasiah White. White was shot multiple times in an outdoor parking lot at 441 Dominguez.


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COLD CASE SOLVED IN BORREGO SPRINGS

DNA evidence helps detectives solve 1994 murder.

Source:  San Diego County Sheriff

October 17, 2022 (Borrego Springs) - On March 21, 1994, 72-year-old Claire "Kay" Holman was found murdered in her home located in the 700 block of Tilting T Drive in Borrego Springs.


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PROTEST CONTINUES OVER SEX OFFENDERS PLACED IN A COMMUNITY FULL OF KIDS

By Shiloh Ireland

Photo:  girl and her parents

October 9, 2022 (El Cajon) – On October 2nd, another peaceful protest was held next to a sex offender’s home at 9107 Sesi Lane, where sex offenders have been placed. At this time, the six offenders housed have been reduced to four, as two moved to another part of East County.


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DESPITE SOARING JAIL DEATHS, GOVERNOR VETOES WEBER’S SAVING LIVES IN CUSTODY ACT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Assemblymember and medical doctor Akilah Weber, author of AB 2343

 

October 6, 2022 (San Diego) – Ignoring recommendations of the State Auditor, Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 2343, the Saving Lives in Custody Act. The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. of San Diego in respond to the disturbingly high rate of deaths occurring in San Diego County’s jails.


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ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN SPRING VALLEY AFTER BARRICADING HIMSELF IN A HOME

By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A suspect accused of assaulting a man parked in a vehicle has been arrested after a manhunt earlier today.

The assault occurred at 11:26 in the 3900 block of Conrad Road, Spring Valley. On social media, a resident posted that her brother-in-law suffered a head injury in the assault and was robbed; she indicated he has been transported to a local hospital.


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MAN IN COUNTY VOUCHER PROGRAM ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING POLICE OFFICER

By Miriam Raftery

September 28, 2022 (El Cajon) – A man on probation for a violent assault was placed in an El Cajon motel under the county’s voucher program for homeless people. Today, he was arrested for a new assault with a deadly weapon after reportedly ramming an El Cajon Police officer’s patrol car with his vehicle.

El Cajon police officers, responding to recent narcotics activity, were conducting enforcement on West Main Street when officers recognized 33-year-old Ruben Quintana, from another assault with a deadly weapon.  He was seen coming out of a room at the Travelodge motel at 425 W. Main Street, then leaving in a vehicle.


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HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES ISSA-SPONSORED BILL TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND EXPAND DISPLAY OF NATIONAL HOTLINE

By Miriam Raftery

September 25, 2022 (San Diego) -- The House of Representatives has unanimously passed the bipartisan Human Trafficking Prevention Act, introduced by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) along with Reps. Mace, Jeffries and Bass. The legislation will require display of National Human Trafficking Hotline information in restrooms of all U.S. ports of entry, airplanes, airports, trains, train stations, busses, and bus stations so that victims or anyone who notices a potential victim of human trafficking can reach out for help.  


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DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FATAL HIT AND RUN CRASH IN SANTEE; VICTIM REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED

September 23, 2022 (Lakeside) – California Highway Patrol seeks witnesses to a hit-and-run accident last night on State Route 67 southbound near Woodside Avenue in Santee. The CHP also needs help to identify the male victim.

A CHP sergeant conducting an enforcement stop of a blue Nissan Altima on Interstate 8 west of Interstate 5 around 12:34 a.m. noticed front end damage from a recent crash.  Bas on information from the enforcement stop, CHP units found the victim on the shoulder of SR 67 around 12:44 a.m. 

He had sustained major injures consistent with being struck by a vehicle.  Medical aid was administered; however, the man was pronounced deceased on scene due to the extent injuries, says Officer Travis Garrow.


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SUSPECT SOUGHT IN AQUEDUCT SHOOTING NEAR STATE ROUTE 94

East County News Service

September 21, 2022 (San Diego) – The California Highway Patrol is seeking witnesses to a shooting at 3:50 this morning in the aqueduct near the State Route 94 westbound ramp from Home Avenue in the Fairmont Park area.

San Diego Police Department arrived on scene and located a 35-year-old Hispanic male with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, says Officer J. Matias with California Highway Patrol.


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SCAM ALERT: CON ARTISTS POSE AS SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

September 20, 2022 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is warning the public about a phone scam involving con artists posing as deputies. To sound convincing, the caller identifies himself as a currently employed deputy. The storyline involves a missed court appearance. 


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ARREST MADE IN LEMON GROVE HOMICIDE

East County News Service

September 17, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- Ernest Kelly, 32, has been arrested and charged with a murder that occurred during a deadly fight on September 12 in Lemon Grove.


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TWO HOMICIDES IN LEMON GROVE

East County News Service

Image: CC via Bing

September 12, 2022 (Lemon Grove)—The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating a pair of homicides that occurred in Lemon Grove yesterday and today.  


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NEIGHBORS ANGRY TO FIND FIVE SEX OFFENDERS SECRETLY PLACED IN THEIR LAKESIDE NEIGHBORHOOD

By Henri Migala

September 12, 2022 (Lakeside) -  Families, neighbors and their supporters gathered in Lakeside on Blossom Valley Road to protest five sex offenders secretly placed in their neighborhood in the past couple of weeks.

In a story that happens all too frequently in East County, approximately 100 residents and community members expressed their surprise, fear and outrage at finding out that their quiet, family-friendly community was housing convicted sex offenders. Not one, or two, but five – all in one home.


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CHP TO HOLD SOBRIETY AND DRIVER’S LICENSE CHECKPOINT SEPT. 9

Source: California Highway Patrol

September 8, 2022 (San Diego) --The California Highway Patrol (CHP), El Cajon Area, will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver license safety checkpoint on September 9, somewhere within the unincorporated area of San Diego County. 


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FAMILY WITH 7 CHILDREN TAKES IN ALL 9 SYRIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN WHO LOST MOTHER IN EL CAJON SHOOTING

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2022 (El Cajon) –  The El Cajon nonprofit License to Freedom has been counseling nine children in a Syrian refugee family traumatized first by war in their homeland, and now by the death of their mother, who was found shot in the family’s home. In an interview with East County Magazine originally aired on KNSJ radio,

Dilkhwaz Ahmed, founder of License to Freedom, provides an update on the children’s situation, also sharing information on the stresses facing refugee families. The  children’s father, Abdulhannan Abdurazaq Al Rawi, has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.

“It’s so hard,” Ahmed says, when asked how the children, ages 2-17, are doing. “In a situation like that, the community gets together.” She says other Syrian refugees in the community worked to help the children, as did people in the Sudanese community, since the babysitter is from Sudan. “One of their close friends, a family from Syria, decided to take the kids, and they have seven kids,” Ahmed said.  “The wife was best friends with the mom…it’s heartbreaking.”

Audio: 


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SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING; WEAPONS SEIZED

East County News Service

August 31, 2022 (Lakeside) – A suspected gang-related shooting in Spring Valley on August 18 led SWAT teams to search homes in Lakeside and Santee todayThe search found a stash of weapons and resulted in arrests of four individuals.


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SPRING VALLEY HOMICIDE VICTIM IDENTIFIED

By Miriam Raftery

August 29, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified a man who was fatally shot on August 16 shortly before 9:30 p.m.near Jamacha Blvd. and Thayer Drive. The victim is Jorkim Rose, 32.


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