Police Investigate Stabbing Death At Marie Widman Park
July 25, 2010, San Diego Ca, at approximately 9:31 pm, Southeastern Division patrol officers were flagged down by a motorist who reported seeing a bloodied male lying in the eastbound lanes of 6800 Imperial Avenue.
The officers went to that location and found the victim, a white male approximately 18-20 years old lying in the street and suffering from stab wounds. The male was transported by paramedics to a local trauma center where he died at 2229 hours.
The preliminary investigation revealed the victim was stabbed in a restroom at Marie Widman Park located in the 6800 block of Imperial Avenue and afterwards made his way to the street where the motorist found him. The suspect in this case is described as a black male approximately 18 years old.
The identity of the victim is not known at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293.
San Diego Police Press Release
At 8:43AM, this morning, officers responded to a call of a domestic violence at 6935 Jamacha Road. A neighbor reported that a male was breaking windows with a hammer and that children were running around screaming.
When officers arrived at the scene, the subject's wife advised them that her husband had trouble sleeping last night. The subject woke her at 8:30 AM and told her they were "loosing everything" and began acting very irrational. The subject took a medium sized sledge hammer and began smashing windows in the house and windows on all three vehicles in the driveway.
As one officer went to a rear corner of the house, he could see the subject inside the residence, armed with the sledge hammer and a knife. That officer confronted the subject and gave him commands to drop the weapons and come towards him. The subject refused to comply with the officer's orders to drop the weapons.
The suspect threw the knife at the officer and disappeared inside the house. When the suspect re-appeared a second time, he was armed with another knife and raised it to throw it at the officers. Both officers fired their weapons
The subject wounded in the chest and leg. He was transported to a local trauma center were he is in surgery at this time. His injuries are considered to be non-life threatening. The subject is a 40 year old Vietnameese male.
The wife and children were not injured.
The officers are 2.5 and 2 year veterans, assigned to the Southeastern Division. Per Department policy, they have been placed on administrative assignment until the investigation is concluded.
San Diego Police Press Release
7-23-10 SAN DIEGO, CA—Forty-Three Defendants with Ties to a Drug Cartel in Mexico Charged with Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Conspiracy Individuals Allegedly Responsible for State and Federal Crimes, Including Murder, Kidnapping, Firearms, and Drug Trafficking Violations.
A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging 43 defendants with participating in a federal racketeering (RICO) conspiracy.
The RICO conspiracy alleged in the complaint involves the commission of both state and federal crimes, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. As set forth in the complaint, the defendants are members and associates of the Fernando Sanchez Organization (FSO), an offshoot of the Arellano-Felix drug-trafficking cartel.
The complaint also alleges that Jesus Quiñones Marques, the Director of International Liaison for the Baja California Attorney General’s Office, was aware of the FSO’s illegal activities and used his position to obtain confidential law enforcement information for the use of the FSO.
According to the complaint, he was involved in making arrangements to have various rivals of the FSO arrested and detained by Mexican law enforcement officials.
The charges stem from a long-term investigation, entitled “Operation Luz Verde” (green light), conducted by the multi-agency San Diego Cross Border Violence Task Force (CBVTF), which was formulated to target those individuals involved in organized crime-related violent activities affecting both the United States and Mexico.
Law enforcement personnel assigned to the CBVTF made extensive use of court-authorized wiretaps and other sophisticated investigative techniques to develop the body of evidence that led to the charges in this case.
“The presence of foreign-based drug-trafficking organization members and associates in San Diego will not be tolerated. The San Diego law enforcement community leverages every asset to ensure that this fine city never becomes the safe haven from which drug-trafficking organizations stage their operations as drug wars and law enforcement scrutiny disrupt narco-business. These traffickers will simply not be allowed to walk our streets and live among our neighborhoods, and we will certainly not tolerate the seepage of drug-related violence in our communities. We are committed to disrupting their operations and will concentrate our efforts to stop them from committing their day-to-day criminal activities here,” said United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter commented, “Today's arrests are the result of a long term multi-agency investigation. Dedicated personnel from agencies at all levels of government worked in unison to combat this dangerous and violent criminal enterprise. Today we are rewarded with dozens of arrests that truly have an impact on safety and well-being within our local communities.”
“The arrests made at the conclusion of this investigation illustrate the commitment of DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantling these drug trafficking organizations at every level,” said DEA San Diego Special Agent in Charge Ralph W. Partridge. “The citizens of San Diego can feel safer today knowing that these violent offenders are off of our streets.”A complaint is not evidence that the defendants committed the crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The San Diego Police Department is proud to have participated in such a successful operation. The message that San Diego law enforcement is sending to organized crime is clear: cross border violence and cartel activities will NOT be tolerated in the City of San Diego,” said San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne. “Any portion of a criminal enterprise that is planned, coordinated, or conducted in San Diego will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, maintaining San Diego as one of America’s safest cities for our citizens and visitors. Cartels should make no mistake: our business is to end their business.”
“ATF has participated in disrupting a violent criminal organization that was supplying the tools for Mexican cartels to kill law enforcement and innocent citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF’s mission is to prevent violent crime in this country and prevent illegal firearms from crossing into Mexico.”
United States Attorney Duffy praised the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the coordinated team effort in the culmination of this investigation.
Agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Chula Vista Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, California Department of Justice and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office participated in this OCDETF investigation.
The OCDETF program was created to consolidate and utilize all law enforcement resources in this country’s battle against organized crime and major drug trafficking organizations.
The case is being prosecuted in San Diego federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd W. Robinson and James P. Melendres.
FBI Press Releases
July 23, 2010 Cardiff-by-the-Sea, at about 6:05 P.M., deputies responded to a call of a shooting in the 2300 block of Oxford Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies located a 40-year-old female gunshot victim.
The victim was air-lifted to a local hospital and her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. Deputies located the suspect, a 44-year-old male, near the scene and took him into custody.
The suspect was found to have a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, which are not considered to be life-threatening.
The suspect, Mark Coordt (D.O.B. 09/28/65), has been arrested for Attempt Murder. This incident appears to be domestic violence related.
Encinitas Sheriff's Station Detectives are conducting the on-going investigation.
Sheriff’s Press Release
Arrest of burglary suspects
The groups would enter these establishments with the sole purpose of stealing cosmetics, skin care, high end shampoo and over the counter medications. The groups would
then re-sell the merchandise to illegal buyers who would sell the product to Mom & Pop locations, on-line or on street corners.Detectives from the Vista Sheriff’s Station started working these cases in conjunction with surrounding law enforcement agencies as well as CVS' Organized Crime Suppression Investigators. Recently a lead was developed in the case which lead to the identification of four of these suspects.
The suspects were surveilled from their residence in Los Angeles to the Oceanside area. Once the suspects arrived in Oceanside, they entered a CVS store in the 1700 block of Oceanside Boulevard.
Once inside of the store the suspects committed another theft of high end beauty products valued at over five hundred dollars. The suspects were apprehended by detectives from the Vista Station and the Oceanside Police Department as they left the store.
These suspects are responsible for approximately one hundred thousand dollars worth of merchandise being stolen from various stores. The four suspects were booked into VDF on several counts of burglary, conspiracy and petty theft with a prior.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.Sheriff’s Press Release
U.S. Border Patrol Agents Seize $426K Meth
Stash Near I-5 Checkpoint
July 22, 2010 San Clemente, Calif. — Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 10 wrapped packages of methamphetamine inside a Nissan Frontier pick-up truck approximately one mile south of the I-5 checkpoint.
At approximately 1 p.m., a 25-year-old male U.S citizen was arrested in connection with the seizure after agents encountered him with the Nissan parked on the interstate median.
After questioning the driver, a Border Patrol K-9 team conducted an external check of the vehicle. The K-9 team alerted to the rear seat area of the pick-up, prompting agents to conduct an inspection of the truck’s interior.
Agents detected seven bundles of methamphetamine hidden inside of a speaker box atop the rear seat. An additional three bundles of methamphetamine were found behind the rear seat. The bundles had a total weight of 23.72 pounds with an estimated street value of $426,960.
Agents later turned custody of the suspected smuggler and narcotics over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
CBP News Release
FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance to Identify Inland
Federal Credit Union Robber
On Friday, July 16, 2010, at approximately 9:30 a.m., an unknown person robbed the Inland Federal Credit Union, located at 570 Broadway, El Cajon, California.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., the robber confronted a bank employee outside of the branch and threatened to have a weapon. The robber entered the bank and forced his way into the vault area of the bank.
The bank employee provided the robber with a sum of money and was then directed to escort the robber out of the bank. The robber was last seen driving away in a silver or white Saturn SUV.
The robber is described as follows:
- Sex: Male (believed to be dressed as a female)
- Race: White
- Age: Mid 50’s
- Height: 5’8” tall
- Weight: 180 lbs.
- Hair: Blonde wig
- Clothing: Black blazer, black sunglasses, blue jeans, purple or blue top, black boots, and a brown cloth bag
FBI Press Releases
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
Arrest Made In June 8, 2010 Murder
On June 8, 2010, at approximately 6:20 p.m., John Watson was discovered deceased inside his Camino Del Oro apartment. The medical examiner’s office, determining the death to be suspicious, called on the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit to conduct a death investigation.
During the initial stages of the death investigation, homicide detectives discovered Watson was a victim of financial fraud, where Watson’s identity was stolen and $7.5 million had been transferred from one of his investment accounts.
Information learned during the investigation led them to identify 59 year-old, Keigwin, as the suspect of the financial crime. Keigwin was arrested for the financial crimes, in the early morning hours of June 11, 2010, when he arrived unexpectedly at the death scene, where homicide detectives were still gathering evidence inside the apartment. Keigwin was booked into San Diego County Jail for the financial crimes, and held on $2.5 million bail.
Homicide investigators continued their investigation into the death of Watson. The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy on Watson, determining Watson died of suffocation, due to strangulation. Further investigation, which included physical evidence found at the scene of the crime, led them to Keigwin as the suspect in the murder. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office has charged Keigwin, who remains in jail on fraud charges, for the murder of John G. Watson.
San Diego Police Press Release
San Diego Police Investigate Murder In Oak Park
On July 19, 2010, at 9:32 p.m., officers responded to a report of gunshots heard in the area of 5400 Bay View Heights Place. Additional calls were received from the 1900 block of Champion Street.
Officers arrived in the area and checked the footpath leading from Champion Street to Bay View Heights Place and found the victim, a 25 year-old male, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics also responded, but the victim died at the scene. The motive for the crime is not known.
The victim has been positively identified, but his name is being withheld pending family notification.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
Entering Mexico
At about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, CBP officers conducting inspections along the I-5 freeway heading into Mexico stopped a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a silver Nissan 350ZX and pulled him aside for further inspection.
When officers looked inside a speaker box in the rear of the vehicle, they discovered a weapons cache with guns, ammunition, magazines and tactical gear.
The cache contained: five automatic weapons (three P90 standard machine guns, one M-4 machine gun, and one AK 47 machine gun); two handguns (one 5.7 semi automatic handgun and one 10 mm Colt semi-automatic handgun); 30 rounds of 6.8 ammunition; 44 rounds of 5.7X28 caliber ammunition; five rounds of 10mm ammunition; 23 magazines of ammunition (11 6.8 caliber ammunition magazines; one AK-47 magazine; two 10mm magazines; three 5.7 caliber magazines; and six 6.8 caliber magazines); ten rifle slings; and various tactical web gear.CBP officers seized the weapons, ammunition, and other items as well as the vehicle, and turned custody of the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The suspect is currently being held at the Metropolitan Correction Center while he waits to face federal criminal charges.
“Our shared border with Mexico is a shared responsibility,” said Chris Maston, port director for the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa passenger facilities. “Performing these outbound inspections keeps guns and money that fuel violence in the border region out of the hands of drug trafficking organizations.”This interception comes one week after an interception July 10 at the Andrade port of entry, when CBP officers stopped two machine guns and numerous rounds of ammunition from entering Mexico. The driver, a 20-year-old male U.S. citizen, was arrested.
CBP News Release
San Diego Police Investigate a Suspicious Death in Redwood Village/Rolando Park
Mid-City patrol officers went to the complex and learned the deceased male victim had not been seen for at least two weeks. Neighbors became worried about his welfare and contacted the property manager and told him of their concerns.
A couple of residents along with the property manager went to the apartment and after gaining entry discovered the victim deceased in a bathroom. During the preliminary investigation a Pathologist from the San Diego County Medical Examiner was called to the scene and determined that based on the evidence available, the circumstances of the man’s death were suspicious.
A Homicide team was called out to conduct an investigation.The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy is pending.
San Diego Police Press Release
Involved Shooting
This morning, at 7:38 a.m., a citizen reported that a man had shot his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend inside 4339 Winona Avenue.
Officers established phone contact with the female occupant of the residence and learned there were four people inside, including a person who had been shot.
As officers evacuated adjoining residences and requested the SWAT Unit, they heard more gunshots inside. Before the SWAT team arrived, officers formulated an entry plan and approached the residence.
The female came outside, still holding the telephone. The suspect stood in the doorway, holding a handgun at his side, and ignored officers’ commands to drop the weapon and exit the residence.
The suspect backed into the residence, and officers heard several gunshots. Believing the suspect was firing at them (later confirmed by a bullet hole in a window next to the front door and a projectile recovered from a home just north of the front door), an officer returned fire.
The suspect fell to the ground, but the suspect continued pointing the gun towards officers as he tried to raise himself. Two officers fired additional rounds at the suspect until he no longer posed a threat to them or the other occupants of the residence. A handgun was recovered near the suspect’s body.
Paramedics transported the victim and suspect to local trauma centers, but suspect and the victim died at 9:22 a.m. and 10:02 a.m. respectively.
The victim has been tentatively identified as a 64-year-old white male, and the suspect has been tentatively identified as a 68-year-old white male.
Their names will not be released until family members have been notified.
The officers involved in the shooting are 28 and 21-year veterans of the department.
San Diego Police Press Release
Seek Information
Detectives have no information about the assault and hope citizens will come forward to pinpoint when and where it occurred.
On Friday evening, June 11, Raul Rojas showed up at a friend’s house in the Shelltown neighborhood. Rojas said he had been in a fight, but did not say where or with whom.
Rojas spent the night at his friend’s house, but by Saturday afternoon showed the symptoms of someone with a traumatic head injury. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, but his condition deteriorated, and he is currently on life support.
Anyone with information about Rojas or his whereabouts on Friday evening is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police Press Release
Stabbing Suspect
June 15th, 2010 Chula Vista Ca, Just before 7 a.m. Chula Vista Police arrested 28-year old Brian Rolstad for attempted murder of his wife.
The victim was stabbed numerous times. The attack happened about 7:50 p.m. in her home in the 1300 block of Granite Springs Drive in the community of Eastlake.Officers found the woman with multiple stab wounds, most of them in the upper part of her body. She was taken to a hospital where she was treated for her wounds. At this time she is in stable condition and expected to survive.
Two of the woman's three children were home at the time of the attack. They have been taken into protective custody
Rolstad was arrested on Center Street in Chula Vista, directly next to the police department. A Chula Vista Police Officer spotted Rolstad sitting in his vehicle and made the arrest.
Rolstad was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of a possible overdose of narcotics. The suspect is also expected to survive.
Chula Vista Police Press Release
Imperial Counties
A Magnitude 5.7 aftershock to the Magnitude 7.2 April, 4th 2010 Easter Sunday mainshock, called El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake, occurred at 9:27 pm (Western Standard Time) on June 14th, about 5 miles southeast of the Imperial County community of Ocotillo, at the US Mexico border.
This aftershock was the largest so far of the Magnitude 7.2 El Mayor-Cucapah sequence. This aftershock was located within the large cluster of aftershocks at the northwest end of the ongoing aftershock sequence. The Magnitude 5.7 event was followed by its own vigorous aftershock sequence, with four Magnitude 4 plus aftershocks and, 35 Magnitude 3.0 to 4.0 events, during the first 12 hours.
The Magnitude 5.7 June 14th event probably occurred on a northwest striking fault that follows the trend of the Elsinore fault in this region. The Elsinore fault is more than 110 miles long, and extends into the Orange County and Los Angeles area as the Whittier fault.
The Elsinore fault is capable of a major earthquake that would significantly affect the large metropolitan areas of southern California. The Elsinore fault has not hosted a major earthquake in more than 100 years.
The occurrence of this aftershock and its own aftershock sequence, and the Magnitude 4.9 earthquake that occurred along the San Jacinto fault on June 12th 2010 demonstrate that the earthquake activity in the region remains at an elevated level.
The San Jacinto fault is known as the most active earthquake fault in southern California. Caltech and USGS seismologist continue to monitor the on going earthquake activity using the Caltech/USGS Southern California Seismic Network and a GPS network of more than 100 stations.
U.S. Geological Survey Tectonic Summary
Bank of America
On Saturday, June 12, 2010, at approximately 10:45 p.m., Thomas Michael Ballard was arrested near the 1000 block of Sea Coast Drive, Imperial Beach California. Ballard was taken into custody by San Diego Police Officers and FBI Agents, without incident.
Ballard was arrested as a result of the investigation conducted following the robbery of the Bank of America, 645 Beyer Way, San Diego, CA.
On Saturday, June 12, 2010, at approximately 1:41 p.m., the Bank of America, 645 Beyer Way, San Diego, California, was robbed by an unknown male using a demand note. After receiving a sum of money, the robber walked out of the bank. The robber was last seen driving away in a silver Volvo.
Following the bank robbery, two San Diego Police Officers reviewed the bank surveillance photographs and identified Ballard as the bank robber. Ballard was subsequently taken into custody without incident.
Ballard has been booked into the San Diego County Jail. The suspect is expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Monday, June 14, 2010.
FBI Press Release
Incident Of 14 Year Old Female
At about 9:35 p.m. the victim was walking north on the west sidewalk of 4400 41st Street. At mid block the victim noticed a Hispanic male walking about ten feet behind her.
As the victim approached the end of the block the Hispanic male ran up behind her, grabbed her by the shirt and pushed her to the ground.
The victim screamed loudly drawing the attention of several residents. When residents came out of their homes, the suspect stopped his assault and ran south from the scene.
A composite of the suspect is being developed and will be released when completed.
Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit at (619) 531-2210 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Date: June 5, 2010
Name: Unknown
Height: 5’3 to 5’4
Weight: 170 to 180 lbs. (Thick muscular build)
Age: 30
Sex: Male
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black, short, thick, and shiny
Race: Hispanic
Facial: Mustache and goatee
Clothing: Black & blue base ball cap, dark shirt, dark basketball
shorts with darker strip down the side (baggie to the knees).
San Diego Police Department News Release
FBI
Seeks Public’s Assistance to Identify the
“Geezer
Bandit” Believed to be Responsible
for Ten Bank Robberies
The “Geezer Bandit” is believed to be responsible for robbing ten banks in San Diego County since August 2009.
The tenth bank robbery in the “Geezer Bandit” series is believed to have occurred today with the robbery of the US Bank, 14837 Pomerado Road, Poway, California, inside of the Albertsons Grocery Store.At approximately 2:53 p.m. today, the unknown male dubbed the “Geezer Bandit” used a demand note to rob one of the tellers at the US Bank, located inside of the Albertsons Grocery Store, 14837 Pomerado Road, Poway, California.
In addition to presenting the demand note, he pointed a small caliber revolver at the teller and threatened to use the weapon against her. After receiving a sum of money he walked out of the north exit door of the grocery store.
Witnesses have described the “Geezer Bandit” as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: White
Age: 60 – 70 years old
Height: Approximately 6’0” tall
Weight: Approximately 190 lbs.
Build: Average
Clothing: Navy colored blazer, navy or black colored baseball cap, and dark colored pants
Weapon: Revolver pistol
Partnership Station
6-5-2010 SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and embarked units will depart San Diego for a three-month deployment in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS), June 10.
SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. military training teams to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus in the Caribbean and Latin America. The primary goal is to provide training to regional civil and maritime services, sharing information with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.
"Southern Partnership Station provides the Navy a perfect opportunity to maintain and strengthen relationships with our partner nations in the region" said Commodore, Amphibious Squadron 5 (CPR-5) Capt. Peter J. Brennan, SPS mission commander. "Our planned military exchanges, exercises, and potential for humanitarian assistance will benefit not only our partner nations and navies, but I know that our Sailors and Marines will gain a lot through these professional and personal interactions."
Embarked military training teams and subject matter experts will provide partner nations with classroom and hands-on training in a variety of subjects. In addition to the CPR-5 staff and the New Orleans crew, the 24th Marines and Fleet Surgical Team 5 will also be interacting and sharing information. Subject matter experts will provide training in numerous professional areas including: ship handling, leadership, and shipboard helicopter operations, as well as other topics.
Service members from Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay will board New Orleans in San Diego and ride the ship throughout the deployment to facilitate one-on-one interaction with the crew while underway.
USS New Orleans, under the command of Cmdr. Jeff Oakey, is scheduled to visit Manzanillo, Mexico; Callao, Peru; Bahia Malaga, Colombia; and Balboa, Panama.
New Orleans helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within Third Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert Winkler, Southern Partnership Station Public Affairs
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/c3f/
smugglers, 1,400 pounds of drugs
06-05-10 SAN DIEGO – The Coast Guard apprehended two smuggglers and recovered approximately 1,400 pounds of marijuana near Point Loma early Saturday morning.
The Joint Harbor Operations Center (JHOC) received a call at 6:40 a.m., from a concerned citizen who spotted a boat that had been beached in the Sunset Cliffs area, and the occupants appeared to be unloading something from the boat to another location.
The Coast Guard Cutter Sea Otter was sent to the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, the crew took two suspected smugglers into custody and the panga into tow to transport them to San Diego to turn over to Border Patrol.
The person who originally reported the beached panga also told authorities the location of the cave where the contraband was being offloaded from the panga.
San Diego Police Department, Coastal Border Enforcement Team and the San Diego Lifeguards were all on scene, and the lifeguards removed the bales of marijuana from the cave to a Coast Guard 33-foot patrol boat. The drugs were then transported to San Diego and turned over to Maritime Task Force.The interdiction was part of a coordinated effort by member agencies of the San Diego Maritime Unified Command; the U.S. Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, and San Diego Police Department.
San Diego Maritime Unified Command, comprised of CPB, ICE, the Coast Guard, and other law enforcement partners, is an all-threats multi-agency approach to maritime law enforcement operating in the San Diego and Orange County maritime region.
Coast Guard News Release
a Deadly Weapon
Upon arrival, deputies observed a truck matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle leaving the area.
Deputies attempted to stop the truck, but the driver failed to yield and a traffic pursuit ensued. The truck headed southbound on I-5 and exited at Carmel Valley Road in the city of San Diego.At about 1:06 A.M., the driver lost control of the truck in the 2100 block of Carmel Valley Road. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and collided with a townhome cement patio wall. None of the occupants of the townhome were injured.
The truck was occupied by six adults and two juveniles. One of the adult occupants resisted arrest and a deputy deployed his canine partner, who bit the suspect. All eight occupants were treated at local hospitals for various injuries.
Six of the suspects were released from the hospital and arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Two remain hospitalized with serious injuries, which are not considered to be life-threatening.
An 18-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital with multiple stab wounds. He had sustained his injuries on Clark Avenue, and are not considered to be life-threatening.
The Encinitas Sheriff’s Detective Unit is handling the on-going investigation.
Sheriff’s Press Release
Chase Bank Robber
At the time of the robbery, the robber entered the bank and approached an open teller station. The robber presented a demand note for cash and verbally affirmed to the teller that he was there to rob her. After receiving a sum of money from the teller, the robber walked out of the bank.
Investigators believe that today’s robbery was committed by the same person who robbed the same bank on September 23, 2009.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
Sex: Male
Race: Asian
Age: Late 30’s
Height: 5’10” tall
Weight: 190 lbs.
Clothing: Dressed in green/beige camouflage pants, camouflage jacket, boonie hat, black tennis shoes, black sunglasses, and face paint.Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You may remain anonymous by calling the FBI or Crime Stoppers.
FBI Press Release
Connection with Medical Fraud
Margie L. Milisitz and John Milisitz were both arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant charging them with mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property. Both were arrested at approximately 7:00 a.m., in the 600 block of Saltgrass Avenue, Carlsbad, California.The Milisitzs were taken into custody without incident by FBI Agents, with assistance from the Carlsbad Police Department, and California Department of Justice.
According to court documents filed in this case, it is alleged that as an employee of the Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC), Glen Burnie, Maryland, Margie L. Milisitz submitted false invoices to BWMC in excess of $380,000.
The false invoices were in favor of Global 1 Telecommunications and U.S. Cellular Engineers LLC, both fictitious companies established by John Milisitz. Margie L. Milisitz caused BWMC to issue checks payable to both companies purportedly for various telecommunications services and equipment that had never been provided to BWMC.The checks were subsequently deposited into the companies’ respective bank accounts and converted to the Milisitzs’ personal use.
Both are currently being held at the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), and expected to have their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate on Friday, June 4, 2010.
An arrest itself is not evidence that the defendant committed crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
FBI Press Release
Near Gillespie Field
06-02-10 El Cajon Ca, At about 10:40 this morning rescue personnel from the El Cajon and Santee Fire Departments responded to a report of a downed aircraft on Cuyamaca Street, between El Cajon and Santee.
Emergency crews arriving on scene found a light plane, which had come to rest upside down in the northbound lanes of Cuyamaca Street just south of Prospect Avenue.
Deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office in Santee and Officers from the El Cajon Police Department worked together to close a small section of Cuyamaca between North Marshall and Prospect Avenues. The aircraft struck overhead electrical cables for the San Diego Trolley, which created a potentially dangerous situation for rescue workers.
The small aircraft came to rest on a portion of Cuyamaca near the west end of Gillespie Field. The downed trolley wires ignited a small vegetation fire along the fence bordering the airport.
Fire Department personnel quickly extinguished the fire, as rescue crews extricated the pilot from the aircraft. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG & E) together with Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) staff shut down power to the Santee portion of the trolley, allowing rescue personnel to remove the pilot.
The 79-year old pilot from Del Mar was the only occupant of the airplane. He suffered non-life threatening injuries to both arms and was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital.
The aircraft was based out of Gillespie Field and used for training and rentals. The FAA responded to the scene to conduct the investigation.
El Cajon Police News Release
In Valencia Park
This afternoon, at 4:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a violent disturbance inside a house in the 5100 block of a La Paz Drive. On arrival, officers found a stabbing victim on the living room floor. The victim, a 69-year old male, was transported to a local hospital, but died at 5:24 p.m.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that both the victim and suspect reside at the residence. The victim and suspect had an argument, which led to a physical confrontation. During the altercation, the suspect stabbed the victim.
The victim has been identified, but his name will not be released at this time pending family notification. At this time, detectives are conducting interviews with witnesses and processing the scene for evidence. The suspect, a 57 year-old female, has been arrested and is currently being interviewed by detectives.
San Diego Police News Release
MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION
The subject and his brother were arrested by Border Patrol Agents on Friday, May 28, 2010, at about 1920 hours for entering the United States illegally. The men were transported to a Border Patrol station in San Ysidro for processing.
The subject signed a Voluntary Return Order and was transported to a Border Patrol facility at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, to be turned over to Mexican Immigration officials. His brother was scheduled to be returned to Mexico at a later time.
At the Port of Entry, the subject became violent when the agents removed the handcuffs. The agents and the subject all fell to the ground during the fight and the agents radioed for assistance.
Customs and Border Protection agents came to the assistance of the Border Patrol agents and also struggled with the subject. Due to the combative behavior of the subject, an agent from Customs and Border Protection use a Taser to subdue him.
Shortly after the deployment of the Taser, the subject stopped breathing. The agents immediately administered CPR and requested paramedics. The subject was transported to a local hospital where he is in extremely critical condition and not expected to survive.
The name of the subject and his brother are not being released at this time, pending notification of their family.
San Diego Police News Release
One of the men was the current boyfriend and the other man was the estranged husband of the same female.
During the argument, the boyfriend shot the estranged husband in the face with a handgun.The victim was taken to a local trauma center with a non-life threatening wound to his left cheek. Police are looking for the suspect. The Domestic Violence Unit is handling the investigation.
If you have information about this incident please call the San Diego Police Department,
San Diego Police News Release
At the time of the murder, police detectives worked on the case until running out of leads.
After a periodic review of the case, detectives from the San Diego Police Department Cold Case Unit, and an agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration reactivated the case and continued the investigation.
As a result of the lengthy investigation, which took several years to complete, Richard Moye was identified as the primary suspect.
U.S. Marshals from the San Diego Fugitive Task Force, working with U.S. Marshals and the local task force in Phoenix, Arizona, located Moye on May 14, 2010.Moye was arrested and transported to San Diego, where he was arraigned in Superior Court this afternoon, charged with Ford’s murder.
San Diego Police News Release
Child Lure Suspect
A 12-year old girl was walking to school, standing at the intersection, waiting for the light to change when she heard a vehicle honking. She looked across the intersection at a vehicle parked at a gas station and noticed the male driver was motioning and calling for her to come to him.
The suspect then drove his car from the parking lot of the gas station on the Northeast corner to the Northwest corner and stopped next to the girl and told her, in Spanish, "come here". When the girl refused the suspect got out of his vehicle, laving the dorr open and moved quickly toward the girl. She became frightened and immediately ran across the street.
The child saw an adult female at the bus stop who was watching events unfold. The child ran to that witness and at that point the suspect froze, staring at the child and witness. The witness asked the child if she knew the man and she said, "no." And at that point the child and the witness were both frightened and walked straight to the school without looking back. They reported the incident to school authorities’ and to police.
Suspect description - Hispanic Male Adult, 5'10," 200+ lbs, heavy build, large belly, no facial hair, wearing a tan baseball cap with no markings, tan or green longsleeved polo shirt, tan shorts, and sandles with socks, approximately 50 years old.
Suspect vehicle: a 4-door greenish/blue sedan, an 80's model 4-door import, possibly a Honda, very dirty.
Chula Vista Police News Release
Witnesses directed officers to an apartment, in the 800 blk. of Scranton, where the suspects were believed to be.
With assistance from the San Diego County Sheriffs Department and ASTREA, a perimeter was secured around the apartment complex and the occupants of the apartment came out as directed by officers.They were taken to the El Cajon Police Department and interviewed. Based on additional information Barba-Hinojosa and Cordova Sander were arrested and booked into San Diego County Jail on charges of attempted murder.
The injured parties’ conditions are: 1– 18 yr old male critical/stable condition, 1- 18 yr old male minor injuries and 1- 17 yr old female minor injuries.
The incident is possibly gang related and the investigation is continuing.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have any information is asked to call the El Cajon Police Department at (619)579-3311.
El Cajon PD Press Releases
Identify Union Bank Robber
On Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Union Bank, 4225 Genesee Avenue, San Diego, California, was robbed by an unknown male using a demand note. After receiving money from the teller the robber walked quickly out of the bank.
Witnesses described the robber as a Hispanic male, 5’5” tall, 160 lbs., goatee beard, blue long sleeve shirt, baby blue chargers ball cap with yellow bolt on front, and sunglasses.
Construction
Begins on Clairemont High School's
New Automotive Facility
SAN DIEGO-Construction has begun on the Auto Technology Building at Clairemont High School. It is expected to be complete by Spring 2011.
The $2.6 million College, Career & Technical Education facility (CCTE) is funded by Proposition S and a California Proposition 1D grant. Project features include:
* A new 3,475-square-foot masonry building with six auto bays that are to be used by students as labs
* A 32-student-classroom that will be housed in an existing 3,420-square-foot auto shop area
* The buildings will provide an industry-standard facility that supports certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.* These professional facilities will help prepare students for work in the commercial automotive industry, enabling instruction and practice in such areas as engine performance, steering and suspension, electrical and mechanical components and brakes.
This is one of 19 construction projects awarded by San Diego Unified School District Board of Education since Proposition S was passed in November 2008.
Those construction projects represent a more than $55 million investment into the students, teachers and communities within San Diego Unified School District. During the first year of implementing the previous school bond measure, Prop. MM, the district only awarded $7 million in construction contracts.
The CCTE projects are funded by Prop. S (local) and Prop 1D (state) bond programs. Construction Tech Academy at Kearny High School and the "Buc Café" (student store) for the Mission Bay High Entrepreneurship Program are complete.
Garfield HS Culinary Arts Program is nearly complete. Besides Clairemont HS Auto Technology Program facility, other CCTE facilities that are currently under construction include:
Madison HS Automotive Technology, Morse HS Auto Body Program, San Diego HS Multimedia Arts Program, San Diego HS Finance and Business, San Diego HS Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation; Morse Culinary Arts Program, and Madison HS Multimedia Production Program.
Once deputies and U.S. Forest Service personnel arrived on scene, they contacted the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, who responded with Crime Lab investigators.
The preliminary investigation into this matter suggests that the decedent was burned where the body was found. Neither the identity of the victim, nor the circumstances surrounding his/her death are known at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, after hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
San Diego Sheriffs Press Release
The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash and placed it inside the paper bag. The suspect ran out of the bank and was last seen running northbound toward the Ralph's store.
The suspect dropped his hat, but stopped to pick it up. Units responded to the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Some of the cash was recovered in the Horton Plaza Shopping Center parking lot a short time later. Nobody was injured.
The suspect was described as being a black male, early 30's-late 40's, 5'8" to 6', 160 lbs to 180 lbs, unshaven, wearing a red, yellow, and green beanie with fake dreadlocks attached to it, short sleeved polo shirt with wide horizontal black and white stripes, light blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.
The San Diego Police Robbery Unit is investigating.
San Diego Police Press Release
Mortgage Fraud Scheme
05-20-10 SAN DIEGO—A 10-count indictment has been unsealed charging six individuals with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Karen P. Hewitt.
The defendants are charged with submitting false and fraudulent mortgage loan applications and related documents to banks and other lending institutions, thereby inducing the institutions to make approximately 36 loans totaling approximately $20,800,000.
The defendants charged with participating in the conspiracy are: Brian Andrew La Porte; Daniel John Schuetz; Michael Wayne Wickware; Roxanne Yvette Hempstead; Darryl Anthony Wallace, aka Darryl Anthony White; and Terrence Smith, aka Terry Lee Smith.The indictment alleges that the defendants devised a scheme to defraud mortgage lenders and to obtain money and property by false and fraudulent means and diverted the proceeds for their personal use and benefit.
According to the indictment, from May 2008, the defendants agreed to submit false loan applications to mortgage lenders to obtain financing to purchase residential properties. The defendants recruited “straw buyers” who had sound credit histories but who otherwise would not have qualified to purchase the residential properties selected by the defendants.
The indictment further alleges that, as part of the conspiracy, Brian Andrew La Porte and Daniel John Schuetz prepared fraudulent loan applications on behalf of the straw purchasers, falsely stating the employment and monthly salaries of the straw purchasers.
The indictment further alleges that the defendants submitted fraudulent loan applications on behalf of the straw purchasers to mortgage lenders, including OwnIt Mortgage Solutions Inc., WMC Mortgage Corp., Argent Mortgage Company, Countrywide Home Loans, First Franklin, Finance America LLC, and other mortgage lenders.
The defendants then caused escrow agents to disburse the funds to the defendants and others so that the defendants could divert to themselves and others the proceeds of the fraud.
President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who working together to launch a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources.
The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. The Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program co-chairs the task force’s Rescue Fraud Working Group.
The case is the product of an investigation by agents of the FBI and is being prosecuted in San Diego federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan I. Shapiro.
An indictment itself is not evidence that the defendants committed the crimes charged. The defendants are presumed innocent until the government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The defendants are next scheduled to be in court on June 28, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. before United States District Court Judge Larry A. Burns.
Department of Justice Press Release
05-19-10 National City Ca, at about 10:15pm, the National City Police Department arrested a registered sex offender - Leonard Earl Scroggins (age 32) - for the attempt kidnapping of a 13 year old female victim that occured earlier in the day.
Scroggins was also the suspect of a robbery that occured ealier in the day as well. Both incidents occured in National City. Scroggins was driving a grey Nissan Quest minivan in both incidents.The National City Police Department is requesting any witnesses or other victims to call Detective Klos at the NCPD Investigations Division at 619-336-4460
National City Police Press Release
On June 23, 2007, at approximately 2:15 a.m., 25-year-old Renteria was standing outside a residence in the 700 block of 41st Street when a sports utility vehicle stopped near him.
Four males got out of the vehicle, and Jose “Chubbs” Torres shot Renteria to death. Torres and his companions fled the scene, and detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Torres with murder.
Last night, at 10:00 p.m., Mexican law enforcement officers arrested Torres in the Colonia Herrera neighborhood of Tijuana. Earlier this afternoon, they turned Torres -- a United States citizen -- over to the United States Marshals’ San Diego Fugitive Task Force. Torres was booked into County Jail for one count of murder.
San Diego Police News Release
Witnesses say he claimed to have a weapon, though none was seen. The suspect left the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area in a gold Toyota Camry. Witnesses were able to describe the getaway vehicle to police.
A short time later a Chula Vista Police Officer spotted the car within a few blocks of the robbery and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect cooperated by pulling over. When the suspect was approached by the officer the suspect was covered in ink that was emitted from dye packs hidden in the money he had stolen.
The suspect was taken into custody and evidence recovered from the car. The suspect, a 48 year old male, a resident of San Diego, is currently being held at the Chula Vista Police Department jail.
Chula Vista Police News Release
Sexual Assault
At about 4:00 a.m. the victim was asleep in her home when she was confronted by the suspect. He broke into her residence through an unlocked, rear bedroom window. The victim was asleep on her couch in the living room when she was awakened and sexually assaulted. The suspect took several items of the victim’s property and fled.
The suspect is described as a White male, 20 to 30 years old, 5’ 7”, 140 pounds, with a shaved head and goatee. The suspect was wearing a black “hoodie”, gloves and smelled like fuel. The victim called a relative told them about the assault and they called the Police to report the crime.
The Police Department’s Crime Lab, including forensic specialists, along with Sex Crimes Unit detectives, are currently processing the scene. If a composite of the suspect is developed it will be released to the media.
The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and released. Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit at (619) 531-2210 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
San Diego Police News Release
"United in Strength"
Saturday, May 15, 2010
In the United States, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It falls near the end of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May.
The day was created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense.
It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days, but observance of these days, especially within each particular service, continues to this day.
The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. The United States' longest running city-sponsored Armed Forces Day Parade is held in Bremerton, WA. In 2009, Bremerton celebrated the 61st Armed Forces Day Parade.
Because of their unique training schedules, National Guard and Reserve units may celebrate Armed Forces Day/Week over any period in May.
Source Wikipedia
The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of cash and he fled westbound on Navajo Road. Nobody was injured and no weapons were seen.
The male was described as being a white male, 6’4” tall, in his late 20’s, wearing a white stretchy mask, light gray hoodie, blue rubber gloves, plaid boxers and blue jeans. The Robbery Unit is investigating.
SDPD Press Release
San Diego Police News Release
Home Invasion Robbery
The other two suspects were already inside the residence, ransacking it. The suspects had entered the house by breaking a backdoor window. The three suspects were described as black males between 19-20 years old, all wearing black hoodies and armed with handguns.
They were last seen running off on foot in an unknown direction. The loss is cash. Robbery Division is handling the investigation.
San Diego Police News Release
"As the sixth ship of the class, this launch is a considerable achievement in the program." said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The ship was more than 75 percent complete prior to launch, more complete than any other ship of the class at this point in construction.
We continue to work with the shipbuilders to identify production improvements and a consistent build plan that will lead to lower costs and predictable schedules. San Diego is the first ship of the LPD 17 class that started construction after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, and is testament to the spirit of the Northrop Grumman workers as they and the shipyard continue their return to normalcy.
The ship's keel was laid May 23, 2007. Named for the city of San Diego and her future homeport, the ship's next major milestone will be christening, scheduled for June. The future USS San Diego is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2011.
The principal mission of LPD 17 class amphibious transport dock ships is to transport and deploy the necessary combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades.
The ship will carry approximately 720 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles (EFV), augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st century.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.
At approximately 3:05 p.m., San Diego Police Department patrol officers responded to the report of a death, inside an apartment, located in the 1400 block of 4th Avenue. When they arrived, the apartment complex manager directed them to a specific apartment.
The apartment manager checked on the resident this afternoon, after the resident had not been seen for the past few days.
Officers entering the apartment confirmed the male's death. Personnel from the Medical Examiner's Office responded and examined the decedent, discovering trauma to the body. Based on the injuries, a homicide team responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.
An autopsy will be performed tomorrow to determine the cause and manner of the male's death. The decedent has been identified, but his name will not be released pending family notification.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293
San Diego Police Department Press Release
Against Pension Board Members
05-05-10 San Diego Ca, San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis announced today that as a result of a California Supreme Court ruling, conflict of interest charges against six former members of San Diego’s pension board have been dismissed.
In 2005, the members were charged with violating the state conflict of interest law after the trustees improperly allowed the city to under fund the pension system in return for boosted retirement benefits.
In January of this year, the California Supreme Court reversed a unanimous appellate court’s ruling on five defendants, stopping the case against them from proceeding forward and substantially undermining the case against a sixth defendant.
"When we filed this case five years ago, we believed it was important to stand up for the common sense position that its wrong for a pension board trustee to agree to an illegal under funding of the pension system in return for the promise of increased retirement benefits for all active employees, including themselves,” said DA Dumanis.
“We continue to believe such behavior constitutes a conflict of interest that undermines the faith the public places in its officials. However, after years of litigation in the appellate courts, and eight years after the alleged conduct, it is time for this case to conclude.
Although the Supreme Court disagreed with our position, we respect their decision and hope that the public awareness raised by this case lessens the likelihood that these types of events will occur again."
Former San Diego pension board members Cathy Lexin, Ron Saathoff, John Torres, Mary Vattimo, Terri Webster and Sharon Wilkinson were charged in May of 2005 with three felony counts each of violating a conflict of interest statute that is part of the government code.
After a preliminary hearing, a San Diego County Superior Court ruled that there was sufficient evidence to permit the case to proceed to trial. That decision was upheld twice by the Fourth District Court of Appeal before the Supreme Court intervened. The California Supreme Court released its opinion on January 25, 2009 and modified it on April 22, 2010.
San Diego District Attorney Press Release
Marijuana in Big Screen TV
CBP officers encountered the driver, a U.S. citizen, as he waited in line for inspection at the San Ysidro border station driving a 1998 Ford Windstar.
A canine team was screening waiting vehicles when a detector dog alerted to the minivan. Officers escorted the vehicle and driver to the secondary inspection area for a more in-depth examination.
During the secondary examination officers ran the vehicle through the port’s X-ray imaging system which revealed anomalies within the large screen TV. Officers extracted 36 cellophane wrapped packages that field-tested positive for marijuana.
The marijuana has a street value of $56,155.
The driver was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and transported to the San Diego County jail to await arraignment for the foiled smuggling attempt. CBP seized the vehicle and narcotics.
CBP News Release
for Environmental Violations
It is one of the largest environmental settlements of this type brought by a prosecuting agency in U.S. history. “This should serve as a warning to all companies doing business in the state and in San Diego County that they will not be allowed to flaunt environmental laws in place to keep our communities clean and safe—no matter how large or small the corporation,” said DA Dumanis.
The settlement was signed today by San Diego Superior Court Judge Linda B. Quinn. In it, Walmart agreed to pay $20 million in penalties to the 20 prosecutors and 32 environmental health agencies throughout California involved in the investigation; more than $1.6 million in costs for the investigation; and $3 million for Supplemental Environmental Projects benefiting prosecutors, investigators and regulators.Walmart also agreed to spend at least an additional $3 million toward keeping its stores in compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office and Attorney General’s Office filed a civil complaint on April 2, 2010, alleging that each of the 236 Walmart stores, Sam’s Club stores, distribution centers and storage facilities in California were in violation of environmental laws and regulations.
Walmart employees and management were improperly storing, handling, transporting and dumping hazardous waste, including pesticides, chemicals, paint, aerosols, acid, fertilizer and motor oil. “Safety should always be the No. 1 priority for the hundreds of thousands of people who travel California’s freeways every day,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley said. “This settlement ensures that Walmart obeys the laws when shipping potentially hazardous materials on our streets and highways.”
Federal, state and local investigators spent thousands of hours documenting the violations. The investigation began after an off-duty regulator from the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health noticed a Walmart employee dumping bleach down a sink drain in April 2005.
The regulator returned to the San Diego County store while on duty and asked about hazardous waste disposal policies. That’s when it was discovered that Walmart was in violation. Another example of a violation involved a Walmart Store in Solano County where a child was found playing in a mound of fertilizer left near its garden department.
The yellowish-colored powder contained ammonium sulfate, a chemical compound used in fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides which causes irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. As a result of this settlement, Walmart was required to make substantial upgrades to its environmental compliance system to prevent any future violations.
District Attorney’s Office Press Release
Initial reports indicate An off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent was at the Circle K store, outside of his vehicle, in the process of putting gasoline in his car, when he was approached by a lone male, who made threatening and challenging statements to the agent.
The agent, who was dressed in civilian attire, verbally identified himself to the subject as a Border Patrol agent, as he displayed his badge and pointed a handgun at the still approaching subject. Feeling threatened and fearing for his safety, the agent fired one round, striking the subject.
The wounded subject fled the scene on foot. He was discovered shortly thereafter a short distance from the scene. He was transported to a local hospital, where his condition and his identity are unknown at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, after hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS
(8477).
Sheriff’s Press Release
Colvin was trapped in a narrow passageway, about 200 feet from the cave entrance. Due the location, extremely rugged terrain, and the specialized nature of the rescue, several allied agencies responded to assist with the rescue.
They included: USCBP Borstar Unit, San Bernardino Sheriff's Cave Rescue Team, San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue - Mountain Rescue Team, BLM Park Rangers, Sheriff's Wireless Unit, Sheriff's Astrea helicopters and San Diego Fire's Copter 1.
Colvin was subsequently freed early Monday morning, at about 3:45 AM. A second subject, Jim Ness (about age 60 of San Diego), also required rescue assistance to exit the cave.
Both subjects were airlifted from the scene and received treatment from Campo Reservation Paramedics for hypothermia.
Sheriff’s Press Release
of Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas
04-29-10 SAN DIEGO—Christian Daniel Castro-Alvarez, 17, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge M. James Lorenz to serve 480 months in federal prison based on his guilty plea in the death of Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Robert W. Rosas, Jr., U.S. Attorney Karen P. Hewitt for the Southern District of California announced today.
Agent Rosas was shot and killed on July 23, 2009, while he was on a routine patrol near San Diego. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to the murder of a federal officer committed in perpetration of a robbery.
U.S. Attorney Hewitt said, “Agent Rosas was tragically murdered in the line of duty as he protected the border and our nation. His proud career as a federal law enforcement officer stood for seeking justice and upholding the rule of law. Because of today’s sentence of imprisonment, the next 40 years the defendant serves in prison shall also echo those important principles—justice and the rule of law—for which Agent Rosas paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
According to the plea agreement, Castro-Alvarez admitted that during the evening of July 23, 2009, he illegally entered the United States for the purpose of robbing a Border Patrol agent of government property. While Agent Rosas was engaged in the performance of his duties, Castro-Alvarez and his co-conspirators lured Agent Rosas out of his vehicle for the purpose of robbing him.
During the course of the robbery, Agent Rosas and the defendant struggled over a firearm and Agent Rosas was shot multiple times by the defendant and one or more of the co-conspirators. Agent Rosas died as a result of the shots fired.
According to court documents, Castro-Alvarez was a minor at the time the offense was committed, and he voluntarily surrendered to the United States to face criminal charges. The defendant also agreed to transfer proceedings from juvenile disposition to adult criminal prosecution.
“This brutal act of violence on a U.S. Border Patrol agent cannot and will not be tolerated,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard A. Barlow of the U.S. Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector said. “Although Mr. Castro-Alvarez has well earned this long custodial sentence, his punishment will never repay the debt he owes to those he has affected and who grieve the murder of Agent Rosas.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter commented, “Agent Rosas was a brave man who gave his life defending our nation's borders. Without thoughtful investigative work and cooperation of law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, today’s sentencing would not have come. Though the death of Agent Rosas was tragic, I am pleased to see this individual brought to justice.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. U.S. Attorney Hewitt noted that the agents of the FBI San Diego Field Division deserve special thanks for their swift, professional, and comprehensive action in investigating Agent Rosas’ death.
The investigation was assisted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection - U.S. Border Patrol, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted in San Diego federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Pettit and Seth Askins.
Department of Justice Press Release
Adult Male While Walking To School
On Wednesday, April 28, 2010 between 8:00 am and 8:15 am, a 14 year old female was accosted by an adult male as she walked to school.
The female, a student at High Tech High School located at 1945 Discovery Falls Dr, Chula Vista, was walking to school when she first noticed the suspect trying to get her attention from a truck.
The victim was walking southbound on Eastlake Parkway along the east curb line when she heard a whistle. She looked to her right and saw a Hispanic male in a beat up Ford pickup truck towing a trailer staring at her as he slowly drove by. The suspect continued southbound to Birch Road and made a left turn where the victim lost sight of him.
The victim continued walking southbound on Eastlake Parkway and cut through the Vons parking lot near Discovery Falls and Birch Road. The victim was walking southbound on Discovery Falls near Crossroads Street when the suspect vehicle turned left from Crossroads Drive onto Discovery Falls.
The suspect slowed and yelled "come here" and motioned her to come over with his arm. The victim ignored the suspect and continued walking to school. The suspect parked the truck and started walking across the street toward the victim. The victim ignored the suspect and did not think he was coming for her.
The suspect approached the victim and grabbed her by the arm. The victim kicked and elbowed the suspect and ran southbound toward High Tech High which was about 1/4 mile from the area of the assault. The victim went to the school office and immediately reported the assault. The victim was upset and shaken but she was not injured. The suspect fled in an unknown direction.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult approximately 5'-05" tall, 28-30 years old wearing a plain gray baseball cap and a zipped up grey jacket. The suspect had dark skin and weighed about 200 lbs and had a heavy build and a mustache. There were no other distinguishing characteristics.
The suspect vehicle was an older tan "beat up" Ford F150 with yellow lettering the door. The truck was towing an empty black flatbed trailer with a possible license plate number of CA/4KW5935. the victim did not remember the plate on the truck.
Chula Vista Police Department School Resource Officers and Detectives from the Family Protection unit are actively investigating this incident. The police department is working closely with the Sweetwater High School District and the Chula Vista Elementary School District to alert parents and students about the incident. The incident is being treated as an attempted kidnapping.
If anyone witnessed the incident or has further information please contact the Chula Vista Police department at (619) 691-5151.
Chula Vista Police News Release
Sheriff's Department
During the second transaction, store loss prevention agents became suspicious and recorded Thamracksa's activities. Loss prevention agents subsequently discovered the bills used by Thamracksa were counterfeit and notified the Sheriff's Department. Thamracksa was positively identified as the counterfeiting suspect.
On April 29, 2010, Sheriff's Detectives and Agents of the United States Secret Service contacted and arrested Thamracksa at her Poway home. During a search of the home, detectives contacted Thamracksa’s boyfriend, Thanh Nguyen, and their one year old child.
Nguyen was found to be a documented Asian gang member who was recently released from county jail after earlier posting bond.
The search yielded additional counterfeit bills, computer equipment, several grams of narcotics, and multiple items of stolen property. At the time of this release, several of the stolen items had been linked to a series of residential and vehicle burglaries throughout San Diego County.
Both Thamracksa and Nguyen were arrested for charges stemming from the case. Their infant son was found to be at risk of exposure to methamphetamine and was taken into protective custody.
The infant will be medically evaluated and cared for at the Polinksy Center for Children. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
San Diego Sheriff’s Press Release
04-28-10 SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) will deploy from San Diego May 1, kicking off Pacific Partnership 2010.
The fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors, Pacific Partnership 2010 is aimed at strengthening regional relationships with host nations and partner nations.
Pacific Partnership 2010's Mission Commander is Capt. Lisa Franchetti, who will ensure the collaboration and teamwork of the many government and non-governmental agencies who make up the mission this year.
"This deployment offers an incredible opportunity to continue to build the relationships and capabilities that will be essential in responding to a real-world disaster in the region," said Franchetti. "My team is truly looking forward to working with our host nation, partner nations, State Department, other services and our non-governmental organization (NGO) partners to create a mission that effectively brings people together and provides many opportunities to share knowledge and experiences."
The deployment, which is scheduled to take place through late September, is designed to enhance relationships through medical, dental and engineering outreach projects that reinforce the mutually supporting roles between participants.
"When we take our Navy Medicine capabilities and combine them with the capabilities and knowledge of our host nations, partner nations and NGO partners, we exponentially increase our ability to provide high caliber services to the communities we visit," said Capt. Jeffery Paulson, commanding officer of Mercy's shipboard hospital. "Ultimately, we will augment the host nation medical services already in place and engage in subject matter expert exchanges, sharing both experience and training."
Mercy, as the lead vessel, is scheduled to visit Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The medical treatment facility or hospital includes multiple operating rooms, sophisticated X-ray capabilities and more than 500 volunteer and military staff.
Two additional visits will be made in Palau and Papua New Guinea by other Navy and partner nation ships as part of Pacific Partnership 2010.
"In this last week before departure our days are incredibly fast paced as we're conducting major onloads of stores and medical supplies and also running through training and fire drills to ensure that we're safe for sailing," said Military Sealift Command Capt. David Bradshaw, Mercy's civil service master who has overall responsibility for the ship and the safety of all of its passengers. "But despite the intense workload, energy levels are high. Everyone on the crew I have talked to is really looking forward to this mission."
Mercy is one of two U.S. Navy hospital ships and is crewed by 66 civil service mariners led by Bradshaw working for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command who navigate the ship to each mission stop, run the ship's engineering plant and transport patients and mission personnel between ship and shore in small boats.
"We've been preparing and planning for this mission since last fall," said Franchetti. "It's a great feeling to know that within a few days we will be embarking on this exciting deployment, bringing us one day closer to our first host nation visit."
Pacific Partnership conducts humanitarian and civic assistance by working with and through host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and other U.S. government agencies, many whose representatives will be departing with Mercy.
In addition to providing humanitarian assistance, Pacific Partnership also provides valuable experiences to learn from host nation military and civilian experts. This experience helps ensure the U.S. military is able to rapidly respond in support of emergency relief efforts in the future.
From USNS Mercy Public Affairs
Active Living and Consequences of Unhealthy Behaviors Also on Menu
04-26-10 San Diego Ca, Dozens of high school students today learned how to eat healthy at home and “on-the-run” during the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency’s (HHSA) Healthy Counties Month event.
The students also learned about the benefits of physical activity and the consequences of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking and other drug use.
“Healthy eating and exercise are great ways to prevent disease,” Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., County Deputy Public Health Officer, said to the nearly 60 students from Crawford High Ed Complex, The Rock Academy, and the County’s San Pasqual Academy. “I hope you are inspired to go home and make some changes that will make you healthier,” Sidelinger added.The students also attended a presentation from the County’s Medical Examiner (ME) to learn what the ME does and how unhealthy behaviors can result in untimely death.
They also toured the County’s Public Health Lab and learned about disease detection and the vital role the lab plays in protecting the public’s health.
The activities were designed to teach students about the concept of 3-Four-50; three behaviors—tobacco use, poor diet, and lack of physical activity—contribute to four chronic diseases—heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Lung Disease and Cancers—which are responsible for more than 50 percent of deaths.
In San Diego County, it is estimated that about 30 percent of 5th, 7th, and 9th graders are overweight or obese.
Another objective of the half-day event was to expose students to career opportunities in the health arena.“The health industry is one of the fastest growing fields,” HHSA Director Nick Macchione told the group. “A career in public service, especially public health, is a great choice.”
Some of the students attending the event have already indicated an interest in pursuing a health career. “I want to be a physician,” said Mario Ramirez, a freshman at Crawford High School. “I came because I wanted to find out what other health careers are available.”
San Diego Health And Human Services News Release
Shooting In North Park
This morning, at 10:42 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of Alabama Street to evaluate the mental health of a 55-year-old man who lived with his 85-year-old mother.
When they arrived, the officers met the man’s mother and sister in a courtyard outside the residence. The mother and sister told them the man was agitated and had assaulted them. As they spoke, the officers saw the male (later identified as Bradford Sarten) open, then shut, a door on the southeast corner of the residence.
The officers entered the residence via the front door and asked the male to reveal himself. Sarten came out of the kitchen, holding a knife in his hand. The officers told Sarten to drop the knife.
Sarten told the officers they would have to shoot him. Sarten advanced on the officers while holding the knife in front of him. An officer shot Sarten and requested paramedics. Sarten died at a trauma center at 11:35 a.m.
Detectives obtained a search warrant to process the residence and collect evidence.
The officer involved in the shooting is a ten year veteran of the department.
San Diego Police Press Release
The vehicles did not yield and fled northbound on Otay Lakes Road at speeds approaching 80 mph. The suspect in the Volkswagen attempted to turn eastbound onto Bonita road but failed to negotiate the turn at the "T" intersection.
The vehicle crashed through a fence leading to the golf course and flipped. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. The officer stopped to detain the driver at the collision scene and the Nissan Sentra escaped.
The suspect involved in the collision was a 17 year old juvenile who was not the car's owner. Officers contacted the registered owners of the Volkswagen and discovered it was an unreported stolen vehicle.
The juvenile suspect was arrested for auto theft and transported to Juvenile Hall. The there were no injuries. There is no further information regarding the vehicle that escaped.
Chula Vista Police News Release
to Identify Chase Bank Robber
On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, a lone male entered the Chase Bank, located at 5825 Balboa Avenue, in San Diego. The robber presented a demand note for cash. No weapon was seen.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
• Sex: Male
• Race: White or Hispanic
• Age: Mid 40s
• Height: 5’10”
• Build: Average with a beer belly
• Other: Black hair, black mustache, dark blue ballcap with Napa Auto Parts logo, sunglasses, black t-shirt, black pants, white sneakers.
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit at (619) 531-2299 or CrimeStoppers at (888) 580-8477.
FBI Press Releases
the “Geezer Bandit”
Three different rewards, totaling $16,000, are being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the “Geezer Bandit.”
The suspect entered the California Bank and Trust located at 140 Escondido Avenue in Vista at approximately 9:10 a.m. this morning and stood at the customer kiosk in front of the teller stations until a teller was available.
He then approached a teller holding what appeared to the teller to be two $20 bills in his right hand (she assumed he wanted change). He then produced a demand note that stated it was a robbery and threatened having a weapon.
He then opened a black day planner to show the teller that he had a black short barreled revolver pointed at her. After the teller produced the money he put the cash into his day planner and walked out of the bank and out of sight.Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
• Sex: Male
• Race: White
• Age: 60-70 years old
• Height: Approximately 6’0”
• Weight: Approximately 190 pounds
• Build: Average
• Clothing: Blue baseball cap with a script style "P" on the front, a blue jacket, light blue button-down collared shirt, prescription eyeglasses.
The “Geezer Bandit” is believed to be responsible for robbing the following San Diego County banks:
• August 28, 2009 US Bank 9643 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee
• September 12, 2009 San Diego National Bank 7877 Ivanhoe, La Jolla
• October 9, 2009 US Bank 4627 Carmel Mountain Rd., San Diego
• October 26, 2009 Bank of America 17008 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe
• November 16, 2009 Bank of America 7680 Girard Ave., La Jolla
• January 27, 2010 San Diego National Bank 1075 Rosecrans, San Diego
FBI Press Release
Boy at San Ysidro Port of Entry
At approximately 11:08 a.m. a woman who was waiting in line to be inspected, in a Mazda pickup truck, began to go into labor.
Officers immediately escorted the pregnant woman to the secondary examination area where she was attended by CBP officers trained as medical first responders (MFRT’s) until paramedics arrived on-site. Officers aided with the birthing process and delivered a baby boy.
Minutes after the baby was born, paramedics arrived and transported both mother and child to a local hospital for further medical attention.
One of the officers that assisted with the delivery has worked at the port for 18 and a half years and during that time has been involved in at least a “dozen” baby deliveries at the port.
Chris Maston, port director, said, “ This incident is an example of how anything can happen at a port of entry and illustrates how port personnel must be prepared to deal with all types of emergencies.”
CBP News Release
to Identify Three in Takeover-Style Bank Robbery
Once inside, the black male with the beard and long-sleeved white shirt displayed a handgun and ordered everyone in the bank to get down. Everyone, including the customers, dropped to the floor immediately. The two other suspects climbed over the teller windows while the first suspect remained out front.
One victim was hit by a cabinet door and kicked in the head as one suspect climbed back over the counter.Two other victim tellers were also stepped on or kicked in the head as they were ordered to the floor.
The suspects were observed fleeing in a white four-door sedan. There is a report that a possible female witness was entering the bank as the suspects fled. That person has not been identified.
Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200, or San Diego Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
FBI Press Release
Imperial County Recover From Earthquake
04-19-10 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (both D-CA) today urged President Obama to declare Imperial County a federal disaster area – a designation that will make the county eligible for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Imperial County was hit by a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake earlier this month that damaged homes, businesses, schools, a hospital, water infrastructure, roads and more. As a result of the disaster, costs for the state of California are expected to exceed $90 million.
A federal disaster designation could make the county eligible for assistance such as unemployment benefits for those who are out of work due to the earthquake and federal grants for seismic retrofitting of buildings, bridges and other infrastructure.
Last week, Senators Boxer and Feinstein also wrote Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and urged her to declare Imperial County a disaster area – a designation that will make residents and businesses eligible for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Disaster loans from the SBA can help residents repair their homes and assist businesses that need to rebuild and restock.
Boxer Press Release
John Gardner Case
The murders of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois have shaken the collective soul of our community and beyond. San Diegans especially came together to wrap their arms and hearts around these families as they faced their darkest days. Today is an especially hard day as these families now face the reality of it all.
John Albert Gardner pled guilty today to the murder of Chelsea King, the murder of Amber Dubois and the assault, with the attempt to commit rape, of Candice M. He will be sentenced to two life terms in prison without the possibility of parole and he has waived all of his rights to appeal.
I want to thank Sheriff Bill Gore for his leadership and that of the Sheriff’s Department members, in bringing to bear the resources necessary for the search and for ultimately finding Chelsea King. I especially want to thank the Sheriff’s Homicide Team who handled the investigation.
This was a collaborative effort including the FBI, other federal agencies, most of our local law enforcement, search and rescue teams and the community. Law enforcement has been working non-stop since this case began and we have them to thank for the quick resolution of this case.
And I also want to thank Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher for all the time, effort and hard work of the Escondido Police Department, especially Lt. Bob Benton who worked tirelessly on Amber’s case. And, of course, a special thanks to the prosecutor in the case, Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler and her team. They have all been working overtime under intense scrutiny.
As you know, on March 3rd, the District Attorney’s Office filed one count of murder with special circumstances against the defendant making him eligible for the death penalty for the murder of Chelsea King.We also filed one count of assault with the intent to commit rape on Candice M. Gardner was arraigned only on those charges and the preliminary hearing was set for August. At that time, law enforcement had no evidence linking the defendant to any other crime.
However, two days later on March 5th, Gardner led authorities to the body of Amber Dubois. The only promise made to him in exchange for this information was that we could not use it against him in court. This was a somber decision. To end the anguish of the unknown for the Dubois family and to bring Amber home, we agreed we would not use this information against Gardner in court.
However, any evidence obtained from the crime scene where Amber was found could have been used against him at trial if we could have found other ways to tie him to her murder.
Since the discovery of Amber, Escondido law enforcement, a multi-jurisdictional task force, and the crime labs worked day and night to connect Gardner to Amber’s murder. But they couldn’t. There was no DNA and there was no evidence obtained in the search warrants that connected him to her murder. We could not make a case. We kept the information about how we located Amber’s body secret to protect the integrity of the case.
Unfortunately, we still do not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, independent of the defendant’s cooperation that would convict him in court. This means our office would not be able to pursue charges against Gardner for murdering Amber. In the case of Chelsea King, there were no agreements made. In her murder case, the death penalty was not taken off the table.
Recently, the defendant offered to plead guilty to all charges in the original complaint, and to plead guilty to an additional murder charge, with special circumstances, in the case of Amber Dubois. Before even considering such an offer, as in any case, we require the defense attorneys to submit a signed change of plea form. This was provided. On the change of plea form Gardner made a brief statement admitting what he did to Chelsea King, Amber Dubois and Candice M. A factual basis for the plea is required by law.
This offer was reviewed and discussed at length in the DA’s Office. By accepting this guilty plea, we are obtaining a conviction for the murder of Amber that we otherwise would not have been able to obtain. Accepting this plea has been an extremely difficult decision. We have the evidence to pursue a murder charge against the defendant for Chelsea’s murder, but not for Amber’s murder.
While Chelsea’s case was moving down the path of a death penalty decision – most of us realize a death sentence at this time, is a hollow promise in California. Even if death was imposed, Brent, Kelly and their family would have to endure a preliminary hearing, a trial, decades of appeals and the pain of reliving the murder over and over again. All of this was discussed with the King family. In addition, as parents they realized what Amber’s parents were facing. Her case would have no legal closure.
Our office met with the Dubois family after discussions with the Kings. We explained the difficult situation we faced with their daughter’s case. They too understood that in the end, this was the best possible outcome we could hope for everyone involved. As a result of this plea, we will not be seeking the death penalty. But we do know that a sentence of life without parole means this defendant will die in prison.
As you now know, that amended complaint was filed today and the defendant entered a plea of guilty to all charges in Superior Court. Because of the protective order signed by the Judge today, we will have no further comment until after the sentencing. At that time, the families will finally be able to express their feelings in court and give a victim impact statement.
Nothing can replace the lives of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois, but today is another step as their families come to terms with their loss. Our hearts go out to them – and to our community deeply affected by these crimes.
Unfortunately, today closes only the legal chapter of these horrible events. I am sure you all have many more questions, but I must remind you a protective order is still in place. Please respect the privacy of these families.
San Diego District Attorney Press Release
April 13, 2010 San Diego Ca, The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports one additional person has tested positive for H1N1 and subsequently died. This does not mean H1N1 has been determined to be the cause of death, which is established by the attending physician or the Medical Examiner.
The deceased is a 22-year-old male with underlying medical conditions. This is the first H1N1-related death in San Diego County this calendar year.
“This is a solemn reminder that H1N1 is still in our community and our sympathies are with the family of this young man,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “While H1N1 is not as widespread in our community as we experienced last year, we still encourage basic precautions such as covering your mouth when you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to protect yourself and your family.”
The County has H1N1 vaccine available at six public health centers and one vaccination clinic.” It’s not too late to get vaccinated for H1N1,” said Wooten. “As long as the virus remains in our community, vaccination is the best prevention.”
Please visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov or call 2-1-1 for additional information on H1N1 influenza or for the location of County vaccination sites.
The total number of people who have tested positive for H1N1 and died locally is 63. Fifty-six individuals were San Diego County residents while the other seven were non-residents visiting our community at the time of their death.
HHSA News Release
04-13-10 Crest Ca, An early, Sunday morning (April 11, 2010) fire spree was stopped dead it its tracks as an involved and alert Crest resident tackles two suspects and is able to keep one in a head lock until Sheriff Deputies make the formal arrest.
It started with the report of a vehicle fire on the 2100 block of Eucalyptus Drive in Crest. The interior of a pick-up truck was set on fire.
As a San Miguel Fire investigator was heading to the first location, a second fire was reported. A 20-foot travel trailer had been broken into and set on fire on the 2100 block of Crest Drive.
The two suspected arson fires were about 30 minutes apart. The trailer was parked next to the home at the same property and set the eves of the home on fire.
However because San Miguel was able to sent an additional unit to investigate the first fire, there were three fire engines in the area and that kept the fire from entering the home.
Shortly after the second fire one Crest resident spotted the suspects and ended up holding one until Deputies arrived.
The second suspect managed to escape. The motive for the suspected arson fires
is not clear at this time. The incident is still under investigation.The suspect in custody 19 year old Kameron Hisaw is facing two felony arson charges as well as one burglary charges. Investigators say they are developing solid information for a second arrest.
If you have any information regarding the incident please call San Diego Sheriff's Communication Center at 858-565-5200.
San Miguel Fire News Release
Returns from Deployment
4/12/2010 SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) return to San Diego April 14, after a six-month deployment to Middle East and Southeast Asia.
"I am proud of this exceptional crew, who excelled at every mission they were given," said Bonhomme Richard Commanding Officer, Capt. John Funk. "Through their efforts and professionalism, Bonhomme Richard had a direct impact on our national security, and made a positive difference in each country we visited."
Bonhomme Richard ARG, along with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, participated in Marine Exercise 2009, a multilateral training exercise. The Timor-Leste's Armed Forces and International Stabilization Force were also involved in the exercise, which was designed to enhance interoperability and communication between U.S. Navy and Timor-Leste forces. Cleveland and Rushmore personnel trained with the Indonesian Marines in jungle operations, platoon live-fire maneuvers, bilateral reconnaissance, and military operations in urban terrain.
Cleveland and Rushmore also conducted a series of training exercises and theater security cooperation activities in conjunction with militaries from partner nations in the Persian Gulf region. Training efforts focused on enhancing operational readiness, military-to-military cooperation, and interoperability with the armed forces of both Kuwait and United Arab Emirates.
Sailors and Marines from the Bonhomme Richard ARG took part in several humanitarian and community outreach projects during the deployment. In Timor-Leste, the crew took part in medical and dental civic action projects, visited a local orphanage, and also competed in a goodwill soccer match against the Timor-Leste national youth team. While in Phuket, Thailand they participated in three community service projects, painting, performing general repairs and interacting with children at three different schools.
After departing the 5th fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), Bonhomme Richard made a port visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where more than 70 Sailors and Marines volunteered at a daycare center for disabled children. They also spent three days painting and completing grounds work around the center.
Rushmore Sailors volunteered at Fukuoka Children's Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan, providing musical entertainment and interacting with young patients.
Also returning with the USS Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group are the command element, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 7; the Tactical Air Control Squadron 12, Detachment 1; the "Wild Cards" of Helicopter Sea Combat 23, Det. 3; Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 1, Det. B; ACU 5, Det. F; Beachmaster Unit 1, Det. B; and Fleet Surgical Team 9.
The Bonhomme Richard ARG helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.
From Surface Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
On Thursday, April 8, 2010, at approximately 2:36 p.m., a lone male entered the Citibank, located at 7900 Herschel Avenue, in the La Jolla area of San Diego, California, presenting a demand note for cash.
Witnesses describe the robber as follows:
• Sex: Male
• Race: White
• Age: Mid to late 20s
• Height: Approximately 5’7”
• Weight: Approximately 150 pounds, small build
• Hair: Brown with long sideburns
• Clothing: Faded blue jeans, short-sleeved button up shirt, ball cap (during two robberies he wore the same Dale Earnhardt, Jr. cap with a white back, green front with red “88” on the front)
• Other: Clean shaven, thin nose, fair skin, and thick prescription glasses with thick frames
The Ho-Hum Bandit is believed to be responsible for the following robberies:
1. Feb. 27, 2010 San Diego National Bank, 1075 Rosecrans Ave, San Diego, CA
2. Mar. 9, 2010 San Diego National Bank, 810 W. Washington St, San Diego, CA
3. Mar. 25, 2010 Chase Bank, 2551 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
4. Apr. 2, 2010 Citibank, 755 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA
5. Apr. 8, 2010 Citibank, 7900 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, CA
He has been dubbed the Ho-Hum Bandit because he is plain and unassuming.
Additionally, there is a reward offered of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the Ho Hum Bandit. Please direct tips to San Diego FBI, San Diego Police Department, or San Diego County Crime-Stoppers.
San Diego FBI Press Release
In Tierrasanta Apartment
At approximately 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 5300 block of Repecho Drive on a report of fighting and gunshots heard. They arrived to find four adults (three males and one female) and a four-year-old boy inside the apartment.
Two of the males were suffering from gunshot wounds, and they both died at the scene (at 1:10 a.m. and 1:30 a.m.). The female also sustained a gunshot wound, which is not life threatening.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the apartment is occupied by a married couple and their young son. Shortly before the shooting, the female arrived home with their son and two male acquaintances.
One of the males argued with the husband/resident of the apartment, followed by the husband shooting both of his wife’s acquaintances. The husband was still at the scene when officers arrived, and he was detained.
The exact circumstances and motive for the shooting are under investigation.
The decedents have not been positively identified.
San Diego Police Press Release
Once on scene, they discovered a 31 year-old male suffering from at least one injury, which appeared to be a stab wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial reports indicate the following:Tracey Gillespie and the decedent, who are two of several people who reside at this residence, became engaged in a verbal dispute, which quickly escalated to a physical altercation.
It was during this altercation that the decedent sustained his wound(s) and Gillespie sustained a laceration to her head. Gillespie was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for her injury then released to the custody of the Sheriff’s Department.
As the investigation progressed, evidence indicated that Gillespie’s actions in this incident warranted her being criminally charged. As such, she was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, charged with one count of murder.The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, after hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
San Diego Sheriffs News Release
Officer-Involved Shooting
At approximately 12:25 p.m., an armed male robbed the Radio Shack store at 1603 Garnet Avenue. The suspect fled the scene in a red vehicle with Colorado license plates.A citizen flagged down a Motor Unit officer at Lamont Street and Garnet Avenue and pointed out the fleeing suspect. The officer followed the vehicle as it turned on several streets before turning south on Ingraham Street.
As he drove on Ingraham Street at Thomas Avenue, the suspect reached out his driver’s window and fired multiple gunshots at the officer. As Ingraham Street narrows towards Crown Point, the suspect fired another volley of rounds at the officer.
As the suspect vehicle crossed the bridge over Fisherman’s Channel, the Motor Officer returned fire at the suspect. The suspect continued on and fired a third (and final) volley of rounds as the vehicles crossed the bridge over Mission Bay Channel.The officer pursued the suspect into the Midway District, where the suspect pulled into a parking lot in the 3700 block of Sports Arena Boulevard. The suspect, still holding his handgun, jumped out of the vehicle and ran through a business complex.
As the officer chased the suspect on foot, the suspect vehicle’s female passenger (previously undetected) fled on foot in another direction.
The officer followed the armed suspect from a safe distance, briefly losing sight of him. The officer heard a gunshot, and when he turned a corner, he found the suspect lying on a sidewalk.The suspect was lying on his back, gun still in his hand, suffering from a gunshot wound. Paramedics pronounced the suspect dead at the scene at 12:40 p.m.
The suspect had no other injuries, and his manner is death is believed to be suicide. An autopsy will be performed tomorrow to confirm the cause and manner of his death.
The suspect has been positively identified, but his name will not be released pending next-of-kin notification. The female passenger, identified as Chantel Lister, 23, was located nearby and was arrested for robbery.
The officer involved in the shooting is a 19-year-veteran of the department. He was not injured during the incident. His motorcycle was struck twice by gunfire.
San Diego Police News Release
April 8, 2010 San Diego Ca, San Diego Police Child Abuse detectives are investigating the assault of a twelve year-old female that occurred in the Tierrasanta community on Monday, March 15, 2010.
At about 4:05 p.m. the victim was waiting to be picked up after school in front of De Portola Middle School, located at 11010 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. A Hispanic male approached the victim and placed his hands on each side of her waist area.
The male rubbed the victim’s sides, over her clothing, in an up and down motion. The suspect did not say anything to the victim and walked away westbound on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.
Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact the San Diego Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit at (619) 531-2260 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
Name: Unknown
Height: 6’0 to 6’3
Weight: 170 lbs.
Age: 20-30
Sex: Male
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Race: Hispanic
Facial: Thick mustache
Clothing: White T-shirt, blue jeans, Black tennis shoes
Also Intercept Man with Marijuana-Filled Lawn Mowers
Lorenzo Muniz, a 23-year-old Mexican male residing in Tijuana, was arrested by CBP officers after he entered the San Ysidro port of entry on foot at about 5:15 a.m. April 7 and presented a valid U.S. passport. The processing officer suspected that the document had been altered and escorted Muniz to a secure area for further investigation.During the secondary inspection, officers determined that the document did not legally belong to Muniz and that the legal owner’s photo on the passport had been replaced with a photo of Muniz, so he could attempt to enter the U.S. undetected.
CBP officers also discovered Muniz was wanted by the Ventura County Sheriffs Office on three active no-bail dangerous drug warrants. He is currently being held at the San Diego County Jail.
This morning at about 5:30 a.m., officers at the Otay Mesa border station encountered a 48-year-old Mexican male citizen and resident of Riverside, Calif., as he waited in line for inspection in a 1996 Dodge Dakota.
A CBP canine team was screening vehicles in the area when the detector dog alerted to the pickup truck. Officers escorted the driver and vehicle to the secondary area for further investigation.
Officers searched the truck and discovered 21 packages of marijuana weighing 53 pounds stuffed in the blade area of two lawn mowers that were in the bed of the truck.
The man was arrested and transported to the San Diego County Jail. CBP seized the truck and narcotic.This case comes on the heels of a similar incident on March 30, when officers at the San Ysidro port of entry found 91 pounds of marijuana in two lawn mowers in the back of a 1995 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. The driver, a 21-year-old Mexican male, was arrested.
CBP News Release
copyright San
Diego Headline News
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten,
or redistributed without prior written consent. Sports stories link to
team or league website.