Crime & Safety

Bodies Found; Fighter Jet Crash; Seized Cocaine: San Diego County Crime Log

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

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) crewmembers offload bales of seized narcotics in San Diego, Feb. 13, 2025. The drugs, worth an estimated $275 million, were seized in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) crewmembers offload bales of seized narcotics in San Diego, Feb. 13, 2025. The drugs, worth an estimated $275 million, were seized in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Christopher Sappey)

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

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Coast Guard Offloads Over $275M In Seized Cocaine In San Diego

The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche offloaded about 37,256 pounds of cocaine, according to Coast Guard officials.

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Military Aircraft Crashes Into San Diego Bay

Two pilots were rescued, officials said.

San Diego Resident Charged In Alleged Vandalism Spree Of Places Of Worship

Erdem Onder, 47, is accused of spray-painting two churches and a synagogue with profane messages in January and February of this year.

Man Found Dead In Dirt Lot In Oceanside

Detectives from the Oceanside Police Department's Crimes of Violence Unit are investigating the homicide.

Victims Of Double-Fatal La Mesa Freeway Wreck ID'd

Authorities publicly identified a La Mesa couple who were killed this week in a pileup on Interstate 8 near Grossmont Center mall.

Court Reverses Order Unsealing Sheriff's Records Covering Jail Deaths

A San Diego federal judge's ruling was reversed by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Man Found Dead In Colina Del Sol Apartment Complex Stairwell

Officers from Mid-City Division responded to the location but did not find evidence of a fight or any apparent victims, police said.

Oceanside Cop's Killer Sentenced Again To Life In Prison

Meki Gaono, now 36, was convicted of first-degree murder for the Dec. 20, 2006, gang-related slaying of Officer Daniel Bessant.

'Extremely' Decomposed Body Found Floating In Lower Otay Reservoir

Divers with the city of San Diego's diving team recovered the body and brought it to land.

Victims Of Multiple Fatal San Diego-Area Traffic Crashes ID'd

Authorities have publicly identified four men who died over the last two weeks in San Diego-area traffic accidents.

Body Found On SR-905 In Otay Mesa

The body, described only as male, was discovered shortly after noon on the westbound side of the freeway, according to the CHP.

Car Fatally Strikes Pedestrian On I-805 In San Ysidro

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Ex-Navy Detective And ECPD Officer Sentenced For Excessive Force

The former Navy detective and El Cajon officer choked a handcuffed Navy sailor at Naval Base San Diego to the point of unconsciousness.

Prisoner Accused In Attempted Homicide Of Guard At San Diego Prison

The injured officer was treated, medically cleared and resting at home Monday.

Dozens Cited During Escondido Traffic-Enforcement Detail

Officers handed out the 68 tickets for a variety of violations made by drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians during the operation.

2 7-Elevens Robbed At Gunpoint In San Diego County

The three male suspects were all armed with handguns, police said.

Coast Guard Stops Boat Carrying 12 Migrants Near Point Loma

All 12 people aboard the boat were taken into custody and were en route to transfer to the Imperial Beach Border Patrol, officials said.

2 Men Wounded In San Diego Shooting

Paramedics rushed a man to a hospital. A second man had been transported by private vehicle to a hospital.

Crews Work Rescue At San Diego Golf Course

A total of 24 personnel were assigned to the rescue, including two engines, one truck and one medic, officials said.

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