Author Archives for Ben Cheeks

Bankers Hill murder-suicide stemmed from domestic violence

October 6, 2016 5:35 pm Published by Comments Off on Bankers Hill murder-suicide stemmed from domestic violence

A little more than a week before she was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, Arnisha Harris changed her cellphone number. 

She finally had decided to end the physically abusive relationship. 

On Sept. 29, Joseph Robinson showed up at Harris’ workplace in Bankers Hill, shot her and turned the gun...


No hate-crime charge for 2 of 3 accused in Fallbrook slaying

October 6, 2016 4:35 pm Published by Comments Off on No hate-crime charge for 2 of 3 accused in Fallbrook slaying

Three suspected Fallbrook gang members will face trial in the fatal stabbing of a black man, attacked at random while walking through town, but only one of the trio will face accusations that the crime was racially motivated, a judge ruled Thursday. 

Superior Court Judge Harry Elias rejected the...


Clowns drive by local school, scare children

October 6, 2016 3:55 pm Published by Comments Off on Clowns drive by local school, scare children

A creepy craze hit North County Thursday when two teens dressed as clowns showed up at a San Marcos middle school, frightening children and prompting a call to police.

The high school students — one dressed as a clown with red hair and the other as a clown with blue hair — were parked in front...


Couple arrested at border with toddler’s body in a bag charged in L.A.

October 6, 2016 3:40 pm Published by Comments Off on Couple arrested at border with toddler’s body in a bag charged in L.A.

A Whitter couple arrested after the body of a child was found in a duffel bag at the U.S.-Mexico border will be prosecuted in Los Angeles County instead of San Diego, where they were arraigned in August. Johnny Lewis Hartley, 43, and Mercy Mary Bec...


3 pepper sprayed in brawl at kid’s soccer game

October 6, 2016 10:25 am Published by Comments Off on 3 pepper sprayed in brawl at kid’s soccer game

Pepper spray was used after a scuffle broke out between parents of opposing soccer teams at the Encanto Recreation Center Wednesday night, police said.

About 15 people were involved in the fight, which broke out shortly before 8 p.m. during the youth soccer game at the park on Wunderlin Avenue...


3 pepper sprayed in brawl at kid’s soccer game

October 6, 2016 10:25 am Published by Comments Off on 3 pepper sprayed in brawl at kid’s soccer game

Pepper spray was used after a scuffle broke out between parents of opposing soccer teams at the Encanto Recreation Center Wednesday night, police said.

About 15 people were involved in the fight, which broke out shortly before 8 p.m. during the youth soccer game at the park on Wunderlin Avenue...


Uber car thief leads police pursuit to La Jolla

October 6, 2016 9:00 am Published by Comments Off on Uber car thief leads police pursuit to La Jolla

A woman suspected of stealing an Uber driver’s Mercedes Benz led San Diego officers on a car and foot chase into La Jolla Thursday, police said.

The woman ran through a neighborhood near La Jolla Country Club and was arrested. Police said she suffered a possibly broken foot.

The Mercedes owner...


Carmel Mountain Ross store robbed at gunpoint

October 6, 2016 7:40 am Published by Comments Off on Carmel Mountain Ross store robbed at gunpoint

The manager of a Ross Dress for Less store in Carmel Mountain was threatened at gunpoint late Wednesday by a robber who was arrested later, San Diego police said.

Police said they found cash from the store and a BB gun when they arrested a 19-year-old man.

A man walked into the store on Carmel...


Man seriously hurt in jet ski crash in Carlsbad lagoon

October 5, 2016 9:35 pm Published by Comments Off on Man seriously hurt in jet ski crash in Carlsbad lagoon

A man from Fontana was seriously hurt when two jet skis crashed in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Wednesday afternoon, Carlsbad police said. 

The collision between the rented watercraft occurred about 3:50 p.m., police said.

One driver, a 47-year-old man from Fontana, suffered major head injuries, police...


Teen to U.S. Attorney: ‘We can learn from each other’

October 5, 2016 5:15 pm Published by Comments Off on Teen to U.S. Attorney: ‘We can learn from each other’

At a time when San Diego County is wrestling with the ramifications of a fatal police-involved shooting, a group of teenagers met with federal authorities Wednesday to talk about building relationships between law enforcement and community.

“I don’t really know what you guys do in your job and...