Crime & Safety

Drug Arrests; Crashes; Police Chases: Santee, SD County Crime Log

Take a look at some of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.

Christopher Loftis, 45, was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possessing an assault weapon, and owning or possessing a gun without a serial number.
Christopher Loftis, 45, was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possessing an assault weapon, and owning or possessing a gun without a serial number. (San Diego County Sheriff's Department )

SANTEE, CA — Here is a collection of this week's police, fire and courtroom stories from across San Diego County.

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Jeremy Ketchum, 44, and his roommate, Samantha Ekiss, 32, were arrested following a two-month investigation, police said.

Law Enforcement Road Chase Ends In Pileup In Spring Valley

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At least two people were injured when a man fleeing from deputies crashed the car he was driving into several other vehicles.

Brush Fire Sparks In Alpine Area Of San Diego County

The fire sparked south of Loveland Reservoir, near Sloane Canyon, according to Cal Fire.

2 Killed In Motorcycle Crash Amid Police Chase In East County

The motorcycle fled from officers westbound on Main Street in El Cajon, police said.

Other stories from across the county:

Man Chases People With Gun In North County: Sheriff's Department

Christopher Loftis, 45, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possessing an assault weapon and other charges.

Fire Scorches Garages At San Diego Residential Complex

The fire damaged a set of four attached garages at a Talmadge-area residential complex.

Man Convicted Of Murder In Normal Heights Slayings Of Couple, Toddler

Sergio Lopez Contreras, 45, was found guilty by a San Diego jury of the Sept. 4, 2000, killings.

Teenager Fatally Shot In North County

The boy was shot when an unknown suspect got out of a vehicle and fired several rounds toward a group of people, Lt. Michael Krugh said.

Shelter-In-Place Order Lifted In Carlsbad

Police activity had also closed Batiquitos Drive between Kingfisher Lane and Hummingbird Road, authorities said.

Fire Engulfs Several Cars At Kearny Mesa Auto Dealership

A fire sparked at the Volvo dealership in the 5300 block of Kearny Mesa Road.

Trial Ordered For Man Accused Of Murdering Woman, Raping Another

Rafael Reyes Banda, 45, is charged in the March 2023 death of Jayme Dawn Morton, whose body was found at Banda's San Diego home.

Driver Exposes Himself To Multiple Women In North County: Police

Police believe there may be additional victims.

Video Released Of Deputies Shooting Man Armed With Gun, Knife

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and an outstanding felony warrant.

Teen Fatally Stabs Older Brother In Encinitas: Sheriff's Department

A 17-year-old is accused of fatally stabbing his 19-year-old brother in Encinitas, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Man Sentenced For Teen's 2000 Shooting Death On San Diego Freeway

Phong Huynh, 47, pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder and an allegation of using a gun in the killing.

Motorcyclist Who Died In Vista Traffic Crash ID'd

Paramedics took him to Tri-City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

2 Bay Area Leaders Among 4 Killed In San Diego County Car Crash

Peggy Moore and Hope Wood died in a three-vehicle collision on state Route 76 in the Fallbrook area, according to reports.

Man With Ghost Gun Arrested In North County: Sheriff's Department

"During the contact, a handgun loaded with bullets were clearly visible on the passenger seat," Sgt. Nicholas Arvanitis said.

Ex-San Diego Travel Agent Sentenced For Embezzling Funds

Marie Colette Martin, 53, was charged with spending funds she received on personal expenses.

Fire Sparks At Pacific Beach Restaurant

The fire caused an estimated $300,000 in damage to Zen 5 Sushi, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said.

Market Robber Fires Shot Into Ground And Hits Clerk With Gun

Robbery detectives were investigating the robbery.

4 Killed In 3-Vehicle Crash On SR-76 In North County

It is not yet known if alcohol or drugs played a factor in the crash, according to the CHP.

Man Fatally Stabbed In Encinitas

Sheriff's deputies detained the suspect.

Pedestrian Struck By Vehicle In San Diego

A 26-year-old man was injured when he was struck by a vehicle while crossing a street in San Diego, police said.

2 Teens Wounded At Shooting In Egger Highlands Area Of San Diego

An 18-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy suffered non-life threatening injuries, the San Diego Police Department reported.

Firefighters Work Vehicle Rescue At San Diego Intersection

A total of 21 personnel were assigned to the rescue, including one truck, two engines and two medics, officials said.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured Crashing Into Light Pole In San Diego

The victim's identity has not been released, and the reason he lost control of the bike has not been determined.

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