San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Police Department's Central Division have issued an appeal to the public for assistance in identifying and locating a suspect linked to a recent assault with a deadly weapon in the Gaslamp area. The incident took place in the early morning of June 16 and resulted in severe injuries to a 24-year-old male security guard, who is now paralyzed from the waist down after trying to break up a fight between two other males.
The altercation occurred around 3:30 a.m. along the 500 block of F Street. A large crowd was present, and authorities believe many witnesses may have recorded the incident on their cell phones. The San Diego Police Department urges those who captured footage or anyone with information to come forward. The suspect, described as a Black male in his mid-20s, around 6'4" to 6'5" tall, weighing approximately 220-230lbs, was seen wearing black pants, black and red tennis shoes, and a black shirt carrying a prominent red logo.
Following the assault, the suspect was observed fleeing the area in an undetermined direction. The victim sustained major injuries, including a fractured vertebrae, during the physical encounter where the suspect's punch led to both men falling to the ground and the victim hitting his neck against the curb. He received immediate medical treatment locally, though the injuries have caused lasting paralysis.
Photos of the suspect have been disseminated by the Crime Stoppers in hopes that someone will recognize the individual and aid in his capture. They are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest in this harrowing case. Any person with details about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to contact the SDPD's Central Division or to reach out anonymously through the Crime Stoppers tip line.
For media inquiries, Detective Sergeant Wesley McDonald can be contacted by phone or email, as can SDPD Officer Mark Herring or Deputy Emilio Castillero for questions regarding Crime Stoppers.
