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May 8, 2009 (Dulzura)--The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any witnesses to an alleged assault on seven people attending a party in Deerhorn Valley on April 11, 2009 in the 20800 block of Cinnamon Drive in Dulzura.
The initial call was a hit-and-run report; but allegations have surfaced that an assault initiated as a hate crime, may have occurred. Seven victims were identified; however, they had left the scene in this remote area when the first deputies arrived. All have been subsequently located and interviewed. Three additional victims of vandalism were identified and have been interviewed.
To date, the investigation has revealed more than 150 people may have been in attendance at a party where an assault is alleged to have occurred. The Sheriff’s Department did not provide details, however the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that several black teens from Spring Valley attending the party said they were subjected to racial slurs and beaten, then later attacked by a group of about eight white men as they tried to drive away.
Three of the teens said they ran from the attackers, but came back to find their car heavily vandalized. Friends drove them to a hospital in La Mesa, where they received treatment for minor to moderate injuries. The Sheriff’s Department has identified 56 witnesses, of which 43 have been interviewed. There are 12 interviews pending, and the investigation has determined that a possible 25-30 additional witnesses need to be identified and interviewed.
Twenty-two Sheriff’s personnel, including investigators from the Alpine, Lemon Grove, Santee and Rural Stations have expended over 350 hours working on this case in order to ensure a complete and thorough investigation. The lead detectives, as well as representatives from the Sheriff’s Command Staff, have spoken with family members and other members and leaders of the community, who have expressed concern. Investigators are also working with the District Attorney’s Office and providing information to them on a regular basis. With such a large crowd in attendance at the party, it is believed there may be additional witnesses who could aid in the investigation.
The Sheriff’s Department strongly encourages those witnesses who have not been interviewed to call the assigned detective at (858) 694-3306.
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