Four people were arrested early Sunday morning after San Diego police linked a string of egg-throwing attacks on Hillcrest businesses to a single pickup truck. Officers say customers and security guards at multiple LGBTQ+ establishments along the University Avenue corridor were hit with eggs during the spree. According to police, one minor and three adults were taken into custody.
How police tracked the suspects
The San Diego Police Department used its automated license-plate recognition system to follow the trail of a gray Toyota Tacoma that appeared on surveillance video. Investigators traced the truck to a vehicle traveling eastbound near 2500 Garnet Ave in Pacific Beach, then conducted a stop and arrested four people. Officers say they found evidence tied to the egg attacks inside the truck. Two businesses were struck and three people were hit by eggs in the incidents, according to FOX5 San Diego.
Hillcrest pattern and policing
Hillcrest has dealt with a series of bias-motivated incidents in recent years, and detectives have leaned more heavily on cameras and license-plate readers to build their cases. As reported in a late-2024 investigation, SDPD used automated plate data to make arrests linked to pellet-style attacks. The newest arrests show the department again pairing surveillance tools with neighborhood tips to respond to suspected hate-related incidents.
Charges and how to report
Police say the four suspects face counts that include violating civil rights by threat or force, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor and battery, according to FOX5 San Diego. SDPD is asking anyone who was targeted, or who has video or other evidence, to call the non-emergency line at 619-531-2000 or dial 911. The department's hate-crimes page also explains how victims can document and preserve evidence.
For more on reporting procedures and definitions of hate crimes, see the San Diego Police Department.
Detectives say the investigation is still active and they are pursuing additional leads. Anyone with footage or information is urged to contact SDPD so investigators can firm up the timeline and identify more witnesses.
