Security Guard Nearly Killed In Fight On San Diego Bay

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two people were arrested and a security guard was hospitalized after he was nearly killed during a fight that broke out following an excursion on San Diego Bay, authorities said.

The fight was reported at 12:07 a.m. Sunday in the 1800 block of North Harbor Drive near City Cruises by Hornblower, according to the Port of San Diego.

When officers arrived, they found a security guard who was unconscious, not breathing, and didn't have a pulse as a result of the physical altercation, according to police. Harbor Police officers immediately began lifesaving measures and successfully restored the victim's pulse. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The San Diego Police Department was called in to assist Harbor Police with crowd control and scene security due to the large number of people in the area.

The investigation led to the identification and arrest of 39-year-old Ernesto Molina Jr. Claudia Mendiola De Franco, 48, was also arrested for alleged assault on Molina Jr., which happened after the security guard was assaulted, police said.

Both suspects were taken into custody on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury, according to police.

The investigation was ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information, images or video that could assist investigators was asked to contact Harbor Police at 619-686-6272 or submit an anonymous tip through San Diego County Crime Stoppers at sdcrimestoppers.org.