Crime & Safety
Cave Rescue; Deadly Hit-And-Run Crash: La Mesa, SD County Crime Log
A look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
LA MESA, CA — The following is a collection of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.
Stories in La Mesa and East County:
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Michael Ray Wooten, 54, died at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The El Cajon Police Department recently started using an automated license plate reading system that uses cameras to send real-time alerts.
Donna Mathews, 80, died of smoke inhalation, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office.
The pedestrian died at the scene.
Man Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash In East County
A pedestrian was fatally struck by a vehicle driving eastbound on state Route 94 in Spring Valley, according to the CHP.
1 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In East County
The two-vehicle crash happened on Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Stuck For 16 Hours: Woman Rescued From Cave In San Diego's East County
A Cal Fire helicopter airlifted the woman to a safe area where a waiting ambulance treated her for exhaustion, scrapes and bruises.
Other stories from across the county:
Ex-Navy Employee Pleads Guilty To Accepting Bribes From Contractors
Dawnell Parker, 54, received "thousands of dollars in free meals" from restaurants, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Man Killed In Semi Trailer Crash In Otay Mesa
The driver of the Chevy was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Man Sentenced To Prison For Fatal City Heights Shooting
Bryan Parker, 43, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and a firearm allegation in the slaying of 52-year-old Wendell Eddington.
Vanesa Gastellu, 31, went to trial on a murder charge for the killing of 23-year-old Christina Garcia.
Man Found Dead Off Coast Of La Jolla Shores ID'd
Two surfers found the man's body and alerted San Diego lifeguards.
Carlsbad Officer Who Fired Weapon At Armed Suspect ID'd
Vincent Abbate has been employed by the Carlsbad Police Department since August 2022, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Man Pleads Not Guilty To Murder In Woman's Stabbing At San Diego Park
Siliveinusi Patafalai Hamala, 23, is charged in the June 19 slaying of Chi Cao, who was stabbed multiple times at Central Avenue Mini Park.
Man Found Shot To Death In Ramona Home
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide.
Man Sentenced To Nearly 64 Years For Role In 43-Home Burglary Spree
Devon Taylor, 43, pleaded guilty to 82 counts for his role in stealing property from homes, prosecutors said.
At Least 1 Killed In 3-Vehicle Crash On I-5 In Carlsbad
Witnesses told the CHP that three vehicles crashed.
Man With Samurai Sword Arrested After SWAT Standoff At Carlsbad Motel
Eliot Rauk, 33, will be booked on suspicion of multiple charges, including making terrorist threats and unlawfully brandishing a weapon.
Firearms Trafficker Arrested, Ammo Smuggled Out Of San Diego
Agents identified Alfredo Lomas Navarrete of Mexico as a major firearms trafficker for the Valenzuela Transnational Criminal Organization.
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