Police/Fire

Long night’s fiery (vehicles) journey into day at Eagles Point Apartments

Dazed and confused residents of Eagles Point Apartments at 1501 E Grand Avenue were reeling from a series of vexing vehicle fires early Wednesday morning. The jury remains out whether the fires were accidental or set by arsonists. The long night’s fiery journey into day started around 1 a.m. when Escondido Fire Department units responded to a report of three vehicles — a car, SUV…


Body found two months ago at Lake Hodges identified as San Diego woman

Her name was Marisol Lopez. She was 29 years old. She was from San Diego. She was the woman whose decomposed body was found nearly two months ago at the shore of Lake Hodges by some dogs accompanying a trail runner. Technically speaking, Lopez was found in the 19900 block of Lake Drive in the community of Del Dios. She was wearing a distinctive ring,…


Wild times in world of people behaving badly (Updated Dec. 10)

People were behaving exceedingly badly this month and it wasn’t due to the full moon, was there a full moon? North Escondido woman dead, husband flees scene, later discovered dead by suicide (Editor’s Note: Juan Garcia was found dead by police at his North Broadway home late Wednesday, Dec. 10. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies entering the home to clear it of clues in order…


Police seek hit-and-run driver; EPD blotter: 6 new crimes reported for Dec. 6

Now, on to current incident reports. For more details click on “Map It.” CRIME ALERT! 5 new crimes Type Description Case # Location Agency Date Map It TAKE VEHICLE W/O OWNER’S CONSENT/VEHICLE THEFT (F) – 900 E BLOCK MISSION AVENUE Escondido Police 12/2/2015 10:00:00 PM Map It DRUNK IN PUBLIC: ALCOHOL, DRUGS, COMBO OR TOLUENE (M) – 1200 W BLOCK VALLEY PARKWAY Escondido Police 12/1/2015 2:46:00 PM…


E. Lincoln Avenue structure fire causes $70K damage, minor smoke inhale injuries

Escondido firefighters aided by Escondido police officers took about 10-15 minutes Sunday to knock down a structure fire in the 800 block of E. Lincoln Avenue near N. Fig Street around 11:15 a.m., according to Escondido Battalion Chief John Tenger. That speedy response came too late, however, for a family of 11 who were displaced. Two patients were treated on scene for minor smoke inhalation, Tenger…


Two-alarm fire guts two condo units, causes $50K in damages on E. Valley Parkway

Four Escondido residents, a dog and two cats were displaced today as a 2-alarm fire ripped through their 2-story condo complex in the 2100 block of E. Valley Parkway, according to Escondido Fire battalion chief Mike Bertrand. Escondido firefights received the first alarm via 911 shortly after noon, Bertrand said. A roofing contractor doing repair work on the roof did the honors. “The initial report of…


Alice in Wonderland scenario continues for former Escondido Police Chief Jim Maher

Former Escondido Police Chief’s Jim Maher’s contentious employment end game finished in a swirl of controversy in 2012 that just got curiouser and curiouser on Monday. Maher had filed a breach-of-contract suit last year contending he was owed $75,000 of a negotiated $150,000 job buyout. On Monday, his attorney told a reporter that the suit had been dropped. Rick Pinckard, Maher’s current attorney — Robert…



Unwanted firearms, bogus fire inspections, CSU faculty strike, hops

Unwanted firearms for Wal-mart gift cards, anyone? The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is planning to use up to $28,500 in confiscated funds to offer Walmart gift cards to North County residents willing to turn over unwanted firearms. The latest installment of the department’s “Guns for Gift Cards” program is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the San Marcos station,…