Peeping Tom; Nazi-Looted Painting Suit: La Mesa, SD County Crime Log

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

Stories in La Mesa and East County:

East County Driving Instructor Accused Of Molesting, Recording Students

Richard "Joseph" Banks is accused of sexually assaulting and molesting students, and secretly recording them during lessons, police said.

Appeals Court Rules Against SD Resident In Nazi-Looted Painting Suit

The dispute over a French impressionist painting the Nazis looted stems from a lawsuit filed by a now-deceased La Mesa resident.

$15K Reward Offered In La Mesa Killing Of Navy Sailor

Cornelius Donte Brown, 22, was fatally shot in 2021 at his La Mesa apartment. He was an active-duty Navy sailor.

Deputy Crashes Car In Santee After Woman Tries To Escape From Backseat

"The individual in the backseat became aggressive and worked her way out of her seat belt restraint," sheriff's Lt. David Ladieu said.

1 Killed In East County House Fire

The deadly fire happened at a home in the 8600 block of Eileen Street in Spring Valley, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Department.

Married Couple Found Dead In East County Murder-Suicide: Sheriff

The couple were parents to three children ages 18, 16 and 11, who were not injured and were being cared for.

Other stories from across the county:

6 Rescued After Navy Helicopter Crashes In San Diego Bay

An MH-60R Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 crashed near Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, officials said.

Peeping Tom Spotted Watching Women Shower Through Window In San Diego

The man was seen looking through a backyard window and watching women take showers last month at a home in the College Area.

2 Killed In Separate Train Collisions On Same Day In San Diego

Both collisions involved Coaster commuter trains.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Coaster Train In San Diego

The deadly collision happened near the intersection of Sorrento Valley Road and Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego, authorities said.

Judge Rules 'Bolder-Than-Most Rapist' Can Be Released To Community

Alvin Ray Quarles, 61 was dubbed the "bolder-than-most rapist" for a series of sexual assaults committed in the 1980s.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of Woman Who Died In Custody

Vianna Granillo, 25, died less than a week after her July 8, 2022, arrest, according to the lawsuit filed in San Diego federal court.

2 Motorcyclists Injured When Struck By Vehicle In Pacific Beach

Two motorcyclists were injured in Pacific Beach when they were struck by a motorist who left the scene, police said.

San Marcos Man Sentenced For Killing Mother With Hammer

Sean Devin McCarthy, 32, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and burglary charges in 2021 slaying of 68-year-old Denise McCarthy.

Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After Pursuit Ends In Crash In San Diego

A pursuit that started in North County ended when the suspected DUI driver crashed into several vehicles in San Diego, authorities said.

26 Drivers Cited At DUI Checkpoint In Oceanside

A total of 1,347 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, police said.

Inmate Facing Assault Charge Re-Arrested In Strangling Death Of Man

Tracy Jackson, 54, was already facing an unrelated assault charge and has been in custody since last week, police said.

Ex-Sheriff's Sgt. Gets Probation For Sexual Meet-Up Attempt With Teen

The investigation into Luis Rios began after a citizens' group alleged Rios attempted to solicit sex from a person he believed was a teen.

Driver Shot At 5 Times During Argument In San Diego: Police

The victim, 23, was struck in the left leg, hand and nose, police said.

Man Sentenced For Setting Fire To 15-Year-Old Girl's Body In San Diego

Bud Shelton, 34, pleaded guilty to counts of arson, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and mutilating human remains.

Ex-Deputy Sentenced For Child Sex Abuse, Child Porn Possession

Jose Apolonio Soto Jr., 52, was arrested last year after a search warrant was served at his Chula Vista home.

Series Of Arson Fires Erupts In City Heights; Suspect Jailed

Juana Marie Alford was booked into Las Colinas women's jail in Santee on suspicion of arson.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Car On SR-76 In North County

The deadly crash happened near the intersection of state Route 76 and Canyon Drive in Oceanside, police said.

1 At Large, 2 Arrested In North County Home Burglary: Sheriff's Office

The victims heard a loud crashing sound downstairs and then heard people walking inside their home, San Diego sheriff's officials said.

Ashli Babbitt's Family File Wrongful Death Lawsuit In Jan. 6 Insurrection Death: Reports

Lawsuit says "like a great many other patriotic Americans attending the rally, walked to the Capitol peacefully," NBC reported.