On 02/26/2019, at approximately 5:30 PM, a 19 year old man was walking to the Vista Skate Park located at 510 North Santa Fe Avenue, Vista. The victim was approached by a group of males. After a short verbal exchange, the group of males began to physically assault the male and stole his backpack. During the attack, one of the suspects displayed a knife. The victim was able to take the knife from the attacker before running from the area. During the crime, the suspects stole the victim’s backpack, wallet, and cell phone. The victim suffered minor injuries from the assault.
Patrol deputies for the Vista Patrol Station responded and conducted a preliminary investigation. Detectives from the Street Narcotics and Gang Detail (SNGD) conducted an in depth investigation and discovered the crime was recorded on surveillance cameras from surrounding businesses. During the course of the investigation, it was determined four known gang members and one non-gang member were responsible for the crime. Some of the suspects were recorded “flashing” gang signs during the course of the crime.
SNGD detectives along with deputies assigned to the Vista Gang Enforcement Team located and arrested all five suspects. The charges included 211 PC – Robbery, 186.22 PC – Gang crime violations, and 496 PC – Possession of stolen property. Most of the suspects were already on probation and were placed on probation holds. All the suspects in this investigation are juveniles.
