San Diego Criminal Attorneys Blog

Escondido police warn citizens of Escondido and all San Diego citizens of the summer crime spike. Police aren't exactly sure what brings up crime during the summer but there are several theories on how and why it rises. One is that during the long warm summer days many people keep windows and doors open even when leaving the house. Inviting burglars and thefts to come in with little effort. Another is that because school is out, meaning that more students have idle time and nothing to do.

Whatever the cause may be you need to be aware of the potential dangers and be prepared to protect yourself and family. Escondido Police urge people to call in 911 reports of any suspicious activity or if you witness a crime in progress. Lt. Craig Carter of Escondido police stated, "You can get involved to whatever extent you want, just get involved." Taking an active role in your community helps to prevent crime, and make neighborhoods safer and more desirable place to live.

Many of the crimes consist of property theft of items valued under $400 dollars as well as car thefts. Many of these crimes are opportunity crimes only happen because windows, doors, and garages were left open while no one was home. One good way to deter small petty thefts is to remember to close and lock all doors, and windows to your house and car when leaving them unintended.

Data report for the past two years, 2009 and 2010, indicate that there are about 200-300 more crimes during summer than any other season. With 1404 crimes in the summer and 1,197 in spring we can see the increase in crimes during summer in Escondido.

Once again if you see any crimes taking place report it to the police, anonymous tips are always welcome to keep yourself safe.

Article can be found here:
Escondido: Police warn of summer crime spike, North County Times Newspaper, Tuesday July 5th 2011

Eighteen year old Jugo Elmer Garcia, an illegal immigrant, was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of armed robbery, rape and carjacking on East Valley Parkway in Escondido.

The first part of Mr. Garcia's crime spree started at 1690 East Valley Parkway where he assaulted and robbed a lone store clerk in a small strip mall. Mr. Garcia held her at gun point and raped her and then proceeded to take several items from the store along with the store clerk's vehicle, a 2000 Ford Expedition. The Police call came in at 5:07 p.m confirmed by Lt. Mark Wrisley.

Mr. Garcia returned several hours later to a nearby location where he tried to commit another series of crimes. He attempted to rob another woman, however, she was able to quickly run to a near-by gas station and call 911.

In light of this new information two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and police officers were able to catch the suspect. They had spotted the stolen vehicle in a parking lot on along East Valley Parkway. They detained Mr. Garcia and found the gun inside his vehicle which was not used to avoid the police detention.

Mr. Garcia was booked into the Vista Detention Center on suspicion of the crimes he committed, which include armed robbery, possession of a loaded firearm, auto theft, rape, and attempted robbery. After the criminal investigation, Officers have determined Mr. Garcia was in the County illegally even after a Judge's deportation order.

Article can be found here:
North County Times, by Morgan Cook

Actor, Shelley Malil, appeared Wednesday in a Vista courtroom for trial on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. Many of you may remember Shelley Malil and his role in the hit 2005 comedy, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", but he has also appeared in a Super Bowl beer commercial as well as numerous television programs. In August 2008, he allegedly assaulted Kendra Beebe allegedly fueled by rage and jealously. Mr. Malil pleaded not guilty to all three charges-attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and burglary-against him.

Mr. Malil faces a potential life sentence in prison because the prosecution, Deputy District Attorney Watanabe, says that the attack was planned out (premeditated) by Mr. Malil. Evidence supprotingg the prosecutions' theory is the alleged bringinga knife from his apartment to Ms. Beebe's home and then breaking in and assaulting her. Mr. Malil allegedly 'surprised' Ms. Beebe on her back patio while she was having a drink with one of her friends. It was at this time when Mr. Malil started his attack stabbing Ms. Bebee several times.

Ms. Beebe's friend stated that he was able to wrestle the knife away from Mr. Malil but then left to go get help. But while he was gone, Mr. Malil allegedly grabbed another knife, according to prosecution attorney Watanabe, and continued the violent stabbing of Ms. Beebe. Finally, the attack ended when her next door neighbor responded to an array of screams. It is alleged that Ms. Kendra Beebe suffered at least 23 stab wounds several of which were life threatening, one of which was within an eight of an inch of her carotid artery.

Background information gathered allowed prosecution to find that Mr. Malil and Ms. Beebe met on and online dating site, but their relationship was rocky and very troublesome. During the falling out of the relationship Mr. Malil had e-mailed photos of him and Mr. Beebe having sexual intercourse to her employers. Nevertheless a week before the attack the couple appeared together at a red-carpet event of a Woody Allen movie.

The full article can be found here: REGION: Attempted murder trial for actor Shelley Malil set to begin

Nicholas Figueroa, an 18 year old Vista resident, was arrested in Vista for Arson charges. He was arrested in the 500 block of East Vista Way by San Diego Sheriff patrol deputies. According to the Sheriff's Department, the arson Mr. Figueroa committed occurred on Saturday at the South Santa Fe Car Wash on 980 S. Santa Fe. At first, there wasn't any suspect information until investigators had gathered video surveillance from local surrounding businesses, enabling them to link Mr. Figueroa to the arson. Over the course of the investigation authorities had found evidence linking Mr. Figueroa to other Vista fires starting from the beginning of this year. Authorities had recognized him immediately after viewing the footage and remembered him from being suspects of previous fires in the area.

Mr. Figueroa was taken to the Vista jail on suspicion of five accounts of arson, and two counts of commercial burglary. Bail was set at 250,000 dollars due to the seriousness of his crimes committed.

To read more about the article visit this link:
North County Times, VISTA: Suspected arsonist arrested July 29, 2010

In North San Diego County, Oceanside, three teenagers aged 16, 17 and 18 were arrested on suspicion of residential burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of a loaded firearm. Two of the teenagers are from Vista and the other from Oceanside.

The two younger minors will most likely be tried in juvenile court and the 18 year old will be tried as an adult at the Vista courthouse. Witnesses claim the three were wearing masks and bandanas and were armed with rifles when they were seen fleeing a home around 10:00a.m.

Police stopped a Ford Explorer believed to be involved and found the three teenagers along with three shotguns and a backpack that allegedly belonged to the homeowner. All three teens were allegedly positively identified as the ones fleeing from the residence. Remember, these teens are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt!

Teens Suspected in California Street Burglary, North County Times, July 4, 2009