Students Arrested; Hate Crimes; Plane Crash; School Threats: Santee, San Diego County Crime Log

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

Stories near Santee and East County:

Lake Murray-Area Apartment Fire Kills At Least 5 Pets

Firefighters found the bodies of three dogs and two cats in the apartment where the blaze originated, officials said.

2 Students Arrested For Bringing Replica Gun To East County School: Sheriff's Office

"The sheriff's office and local school districts take every threat seriously, and nothing can be dismissed or ignored."

Deputies Investigate Suspicious Person Following Student To School In East County

The student said they feared the driver was planning on kidnapping them, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Gas Leak Prompts Shelter-In-Place Order In Spring Valley

The gas leak was reported between Jamacha Boulevard and Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley, officials said.

East County Homicide Victim Identified

The man died after being assaulted in an apartment in the unincorporated area of El Cajon.

Other stories from across the county:

Former San Diego County Man Killed In Prison Attack

Brenten Kinzenbaw, 27, was attacked by inmates Christian Dumas, 24, and Stephen Archer II, 38, officials said.

Possible Threat Against North County Charter School Proven Unfounded

There was an increased law enforcement presence at the campus.

San Diego Sheriff's Officials Release Details In February Vista Inmate Death

James Pittman, a former resident of Oceanside, had been in custody at the Vista facility for murder since Jan. 3, 2023.

Coast Guard Stops Boat Carrying 11 People Following Pursuit Off San Diego

The Coast Guard Cutter Benjamin Bottom's boarding team attempted to stop the boat, leading to a pursuit when the vessel tried to flee.

Man Fatally Shot In San Diego's City Heights Neighborhood

Detectives were on the scene processing evidence, interviewing witnesses and viewing security footage.

Plane Crash Sparks Fire In Fallbrook

The crash sparked a small vegetation fire, according to North County Fire Protection District.

Reward Offered In Series Of Religious Hate Crimes In San Diego

The crimes include graffiti on churches and religious shrines of different denominations

Pedestrian Walking On I-5 Near Camp Pendleton Fatally Struck By Car

The pedestrian was struck as he crossed the northbound lanes and entered the southbound lanes, according to the CHP.

Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Witnesses In San Diego Drug Trafficking Case

Prosecutors said the victims each died of gunshots to the head and their bodies were buried in a desert area near Yakima, Washington.

Lockdowns Lifted At 2 San Diego Schools After 'Unfounded' Shooter Threat

Officers conducted a sweep of both schools before lifting the lockdowns.

Shots Fired During Dispute Between Neighbors in Jamul

Several people were detained, but deputies arrested only one suspect in the shooting, according to the sheriff's office.

1 Person Killed In Crash On 15 Toll Road In San Diego

The crash involved a motorcycle and two other vehicles in the Miramar area of San Diego, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Several Hospitalized From Smoke Inhalation Aboard Navy Ship

Several people working on a navy ship at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard were taken to hospitals, authorities said.

Suspect In Carlsbad Carjacking, Homicide Killed In Orange County After Pursuit

A suspect wanted for shooting a woman to death in Carlsbad during a carjacking got into a shootout with pursuing officers in Laguna Hills.