Author Archives for Ben Cheeks

El Cajon police log 12 shootings in 10 years, one complaint last year

October 8, 2016 8:00 am Published by Comments Off on El Cajon police log 12 shootings in 10 years, one complaint last year

Nearly two weeks after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by an El Cajon police officer, street protests and demonstrations have faded but scrutiny of the city’s police force and its relations with the diverse East County city remain.

An analysis of officer-involved shootings by local agencies...


Official data fails to capture hundreds of police shootings

October 8, 2016 8:00 am Published by Comments Off on Official data fails to capture hundreds of police shootings

At least 376 people have been fatally shot by law enforcement in San Diego County since 1980, according to a running tally kept by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The “at least” is important here — it’s difficult to know how many people are killed by law enforcement because reporting to official data...


Santee woman’s death ruled a homicide

October 7, 2016 10:45 pm Published by Comments Off on Santee woman’s death ruled a homicide

The death of a 34-year-old woman found wounded Tuesday night in her home in Santee has been ruled a homicide, a sheriff’s lieutenant said Friday.

Leticia Arroyo suffered trauma to her upper body and died before medics got to the two-story townhome on Mission Greens Road, south of Mission Gorge...


Santee woman’s death ruled a homicide

October 7, 2016 10:45 pm Published by Comments Off on Santee woman’s death ruled a homicide

The death of a 34-year-old woman found wounded Tuesday night in her home in Santee has been ruled a homicide, a sheriff’s lieutenant said Friday.

Leticia Arroyo suffered trauma to her upper body and died before medics got to the two-story townhome on Mission Greens Road, south of Mission Gorge...


2 teens hit by vehicle in Oceanside

October 7, 2016 10:10 pm Published by Comments Off on 2 teens hit by vehicle in Oceanside

Two teenage boys were seriously injured when a vehicle struck them at an intersection in Oceanside Friday night, police said. 

Witnesses told police the two teens, about 15 to 17 years old, crossed River Road against a red light. They walked into the path of a Subaru vehicle headed north on Vandergrift...


2 teens hit by vehicle in Oceanside

October 7, 2016 10:10 pm Published by Comments Off on 2 teens hit by vehicle in Oceanside

Two teenage boys were seriously injured when a vehicle struck them at an intersection in Oceanside Friday night, police said. 

Witnesses told police the two teens, about 15 to 17 years old, crossed River Road against a red light. They walked into the path of a Subaru vehicle headed north on Vandergrift...


Clown Instagram user threatens El Cajon middle school

October 7, 2016 5:55 pm Published by Comments Off on Clown Instagram user threatens El Cajon middle school

Unfounded social media posts seemingly inspired by a nationwide creepy clown craze threatened to kill teachers and kidnap students at an El Cajon middle school Friday, police and school officials said.

The threats against Montgomery Middle School appeared on Instagram on Thursday, posted by someone...


‘Clown’ Instagram user threatens El Cajon middle school

October 7, 2016 5:55 pm Published by Comments Off on ‘Clown’ Instagram user threatens El Cajon middle school

Menacing threats against Montgomery Middle School teachers and students appeared on Instagram Thursday, posted by someone with the username “elcajonclown,” a school district official said. 

The unfounded posts, seemingly inspired by nationwide reports of run-ins with creepy clowns, threatened to...


Video shows brutal assault, detectives seeking leads

October 7, 2016 5:40 pm Published by Comments Off on Video shows brutal assault, detectives seeking leads

Sheriff's officials are hoping the public can help identify a man seen on tape beating and kicking a San Marcos store clerk unconscious late last month. 

The victim was injured — including bleeding inside his skull — in the 8:15 p.m. attack on Sept. 28, in a Chevron gas station and convenience...


Suspect arrested in brutal assault caught on tape

October 7, 2016 5:40 pm Published by Comments Off on Suspect arrested in brutal assault caught on tape

A man was arrested Friday on suspicion of beating and kicking a San Marcos store clerk unconscious late last month during an attack that was caught on tape. 

Sheriff’s deputies spotted Frederick Cato, 32, driving away from a Walmart on Leucadia Boulevard west of El Camino Real about 4:30 p.m. They...