Crime & Safety

Stolen Gas; Arsonist Arrest; Fentanyl Pills Bust: Encinitas, SD County Crime Log

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

A man was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $40,000 worth of gasoline from a gas station in the South Bay area of San Diego County, authorities said.
A man was arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $40,000 worth of gasoline from a gas station in the South Bay area of San Diego County, authorities said. (San Diego County Sheriff's Office)

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

Find out what's happening in Encinitasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Vicente Huerta, 27, was found guilty in two separate trials for the June 4, 2022, shooting that killed 22-year-old Chelsea Pacheco.

Former Tri-City Nurse Sentenced For Attempted Sex Assault

Find out what's happening in Encinitasfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Gary Johnson, 63, was found guilty by a Vista jury earlier this year of burglary and attempted sexual assault of an unconscious person.

Other stories from across the county:

Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against City For Boys' Deaths During Pursuit

The Dec. 8, 2023, crash on an Interstate 805 off-ramp killed brothers Malikai, 8, and Mason Orozco- Romero, 4.

Man Sentenced For Attempted Rape Of Senior At Mira Mesa Church

Hugo Jonathan Espinoza-Martinez, 29, must also register as a sex offender as a result of his plea to an attempted forcible rape count.

Victim Repeatedly Stabbed In Teralta West-Area Neighborhood

Paramedics took the victim to a hospital for treatment of six stab wounds to his back, one to his right leg and another to his right forearm

Pedestrian Killed In Ocean Beach Hit-Run

The victim, whose name was withheld pending family notification, died at the scene, SDPD Officer David O'Brien said.

Over 215 Pounds Of Fentanyl Pills Found In SUV At CA Border

During a secondary inspection, officers discovered and removed 30 packages from the doors, rear quarter panels and spare tire of the SUV.

Man Accused Of Stealing Over $40K In Gasoline In San Diego County

Andrew Gerardo Escobedo, 19, was arrested and booked into San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of grand theft.

Body Of Missing Woman Found In La Mesa

A ruling on the cause of her death was on hold pending completion of postmortem examinations.

Suspected Arsonist Jailed in Spate of East San Diego-Area Brush Fires

A transient was arrested over Thanksgiving weekend for allegedly setting a spate of brush fires.

Coast Guard Evacuates Woman From Cruise Ship

A Coast Guard Dolphin helicopter crew based in San Diego and a Coast Guard C-27 crew out of Sacramento assisted in the evacuation.

Teen Seriously Injured In E-Bike Collision In San Diego

The teen, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to a hospital, police said.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.