Successful Negotiations
Last week, a concerned citizen called the police department because they saw someone sitting in a car and thought that person pointed a rifle at them. The San Diego Sheriff Office helicopter, ASTREA, came to the area, and drove in armored vehicles also. Using the safety of the armored vehicles and the views from the helicopter, officers negotiated with the subject for over two hours. Eventually, the subject was safely arrested. The subject went to jail for a number of charges. A dog, rabbit, and turtle were found in the car and taken somewhere safe. Three replica (and very realistic looking) firearms were also found in the car, including one rifle. The police department was thankful to the citizen that called and for the peaceful resolution to this incident.
Scammer Arrested
Detectives from the Special Investigations Unit and Crimes of Property Unit as well as officers from patrol assisted a special agent from South Carolina this past week. An elderly victim had sent $60,000 in cash in UPS packages to various cities in San Diego County. One of the packages came to Escondido. The detectives and officers were able to catch the suspect as he was picking up the package and arrest him. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and FBI’s Elder Task Force also assisted. This collaborative effort resulted in a significant arrest that is just a small piece in a much larger operation. Please always be aware of the possibility of scammers and never send money or gift cards to someone that you do not know or without verifying who they really are.
If you are the victim of a scam, you can call the police department to report it, go to Report Scams and Frauds | USAGov (https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds), or the AARP Fraud Watch Network has a hotline available to anyone (877-908-3360), and volunteers there can advise you of the best next step if you’re unsure of what to do.
Community Resources
Anonymous Tip Line: 760-743-8477 (TIPS)
Crime Data/Mapping: https://www.crimemapping.com/
Helicopter Announcement Transcription:
Call 858-866-4356 or text “Hello” to 858-866-4356
Megan’s Law Information: https://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/
Mental Health & Crisis Intervention:
Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240
It’s Up to Us Campaign: www.Up2sd.org
Get Connected. Get Help: Dial 211
National Drug Helpline: https://drughelpline.org/contact/ or call 844-289-0879
Non-Emergency Line: 760-839-4722
