Crime & Safety
Balloon Fatality; Mosque Arson: Imperial Beach, SD Co. Police Log
Mall carjacker wanted, vandal aims at moving cars near SeaWorld, rape sentence and other crime news this week from San Diego County.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The following is a collection of police, courtroom and fire stories from this week across San Diego County.
Man Accused Of Stabbing Teen, Family Dog Pleads Not Guilty
- The boy reportedly intervened as the man "disciplined" a pit bull last week at a home in North County, officials said.
Find out what's happening in Imperial Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Graffiti was left on the building making reference to the attacks that killed 50 people at mosques in New Zealand, officials said.
Renowned Balloonist Dies Following Accident Near Warner Springs
- Julian Richard Nott, 74, was flying an experimental balloon that he invented when the passenger compartment rolled downhill after landing.
Find out what's happening in Imperial Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Responders found the minivan in flames and the victims, all young adults, lying in the roadway, officials said.
Mall Carjack Suspect: Sketch Released & Reward Offered
- A woman was robbed at knifepoint and her vehicle was stolen from a parking lot at Fashion Valley mall, San Diego police said.
- Someone is throwing or shooting objects at vehicles traveling in area of Ingraham Street and W. Mission Bay Drive near SeaWorld, police said
Helicopter Crash In North County: 1 Injured
- The pilot was spraying an orchard with pesticide then went to refill the aircraft when it crashed, officials said.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation, officials said.
Escondido Motorcyclist Killed In Pala Mesa Crash
- The 28-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
Ex-Cop Sentenced For Raping Relative, 23, In San Diego
- The victim's father said of defendant Jared Elkins: "I don't believe the man has integrity or honor ... I don't think he has any regret."
Sex Offender To Be Placed In East County
- Alan Earl James, 56, classified as a "sexually violent predator," will be at a sheriff's facility in Jacumba Hot Springs, officials said
Suspicious Package Prompts San Diego City Hall Evacuation
- A man was detained for questioning near the scene, officials said.
- Unknown man wanted for sexually assaulting a a woman, and stealing the woman's car on 4400th block of 50th Street.
18-Year-Old Man Shot In La Mesa
- The shooting was reported Tuesday night on Spring Street, police said.
Hit-and-Run Driver Pleads Guilty To Seriously Injuring Boy
- The child was riding a bike when struck and found unconscious on a road in East County, officials said.
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