SHERIFF INVESTIGATING “SUSPICIOUS” BURIAL IN VALLEY CENTER

East County News Service

March 21, 2025 (Valley Center) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call yesterday reporting that a family member who recently passed away was buried on the family property in the 29000 block of Paso Robles Road, Valley Center.  Deputies found a grave that appeared recent.

MAN ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING LYFT DRIVER, WHO TEXTED 911 FOR HELP

East County News Service

March 10, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- Shane Capezio, 22, has been arrested after allegedly kidnapping a ride-share driver in East County.  The Lyft driver texted 9-1-1 and told the dispatcher that she was being held against her will by a passenger she picked up in Spring Valley, who told the driver that he had a gun, says Sergeant Kenneth Seel with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department.

Capezio reportedly told the driver to take him to a dispensary located in the 3500 block of Harris Street in Lemon Grove. Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation and Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station arrived at the dispensary's parking lot, where they "found a struggle taking place inside the car between Capezio and the driver," says Sgt. Seel.

WINERY OWNERS’ HOME ROBBED OF JEWELRY, COINS IN RAMONA: 2 OTHER WINERIES REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: photos of some items stolen Feb. 23 from Hatfield Creek Winery’s owner

 

March 6, 2025 (Ramona) – The Sheriff’s department seeks public help to find robbers who stole nearly $15,000 worth of jewelry and collectible coins from the owner’s home at Hatfield Creek Vineyard and Winery on State Route 78 in Ramona.

 

Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thieves, who may have targeted two other Ramona wineries on the same day, February 23. 

JACUMBA MAN ARRESTED ON NUMEROUS CHARGES AFTER HIDING FROM SWAT TEAM; BOOBY TRAPS, EXPLOSIVES AND GUNS FOUND IN HOME

East County News Service
March 4, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- A man is facing assault with a deadly weapon and other serious charges after a search of his property in Jacumba uncovered firearms, explosives and booby traps, says Lieutenant Jeff Ford with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department.

EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS FOUND INSIDE RV IN LAKESIDE

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s department

March 2, 2025 (Lakeside) - The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating the discovery of explosive materials inside a recreational vehicle (RV) in Lakeside. The items were discovered when deputies from the Sheriff’s substation in Lakeside responded to a call reporting a possible overdose in the 11000 block of Lakeside Avenue.

ARREST MADE FOR SUSPECTED ARSON IN PALA AND LILAC FIRES

Source: Cal Fire

March 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Cal Fire law enforcement investigators have arrested Ruben Vasquez on multiple felony arson charges following an extensive investigation into two wildland fires that ignited on January 21. The fires, known as the Pala Fire and the Lilac Fire, started 25 minutes apart near Interstate 15 and State Route 76 in the Pala Mesa and Bonsall areas.

KALASHOS ORDERED TO APPEAR IN COURT JUNE 9 TO SERVE JAIL SENTENCE

By Miriam Raftery

File photo:  Ben and Jessica Kalasho

Updated Feb. 28 at 7:20 p.m. with additional details and clarifications.

February 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Former El Cajon Councilman Besmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica, appeared via video at a San Diego Superior Court hearing today, asking the court to set aside arrest bench warrants ordered back in May 2023.  Those warrants were issued after the Kalashos were found guilty of criminal contempt of court and ordered to report in September to serve eight days in jail, but failed to appear.

The judge refused to let the Kalashos off the hook, following arrguments on both side.

BODY FOUND IN CAR LEADS TO PURSUIT, ARREST OF VICTIM’S SON

By Miriam Raftery

February 26, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police responded to a call yesterday from a man who found his mother’s body in the trunk of her car, a black Hyundai Sonata. The caller said he had gone to check on his mother after she didn’t return home from visiting her other son, Richard Leyva, 24, who was staying at the motel.