La Jolla Light Crime and Public-Safety News: April 26

Bishop’s School students receive anonymous message with ‘threatening’ language

Eighth-graders at The Bishop’s School got a “threatening” digital message aimed at some students and teachers, and school officials are asking for parents and students to help with learning more about the sender(s).

Around 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 7, according to police, the students “received an anonymous electronic survey via Google Forms. The contents of the survey contained disparaging language pertaining to specific students and teachers. One of the messages was threatening in nature and directed toward a victim.”

Soon after, the school distributed a notice to parents of eighth-graders indicating it had begun an investigation into the matter and alerted Google and San Diego Police.

“As we do our work, we ask that you speak with your child about this message to determine if they received it,” the notice said. “If so, we would ask that you have your child delete the message from their e-mails.”

If information comes to light during these conversations, school officials ask that parents call Dean of Students Michael Beamer at (858) 875-0812 or Head of Middle School Carol Barry at (858) 875-0703 with any information that may assist the school or police in the investigation.

Woman dies on Villa La Jolla after being hit by truck

A 22-year-old woman was fatally struck by an armored truck while walking on the 8600 block of Villa La Jolla Drive, around 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17. Police report she had parked her car and was walking toward her boyfriend, who was standing across the street.

The driver of a Garda armored vehicle was in the mall making its rounds. The driver came around a corner, didn’t see the victim standing in the street, and ran her over. The driver remained at the scene. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital by medics. She died shortly thereafter.

Alcohol is not considered a factor. Traffic division is investigating.

Torrey Pines Road accident considered ‘natural death’

The fatal accident that ocurred the morning of Friday, April 20 along Torrey Pines Road and led to hours of traffic congestion is believed to have been caused by a medical event, according to police.

“Based on the report, it appears the driver had a medical emergency prior to the collision,” said San Diego police officer Billy Hernandez. “At this time, it is being investigated as a natural death.” Witnesses at the scene said the driver was elderly and may have had a heart attack while driving.

Coast Guard rescues boaters off La Jolla coast

The Coast Guard assisted seven boaters after their vessel began taking on water west of La Jolla the morning of Friday, April 20.

The operator of the 80-foot vessel “Mahana,” contacted the San Diego Coast Guard about 10:25 a.m. to report the boat was taking on water and the crew was unable to keep up with the rate of flooding. A Jayhawk rescue helicopter was dispatched to aid the craft, which was about 18 miles west of La Jolla.

A U.S. Navy vessel in the area and San Diego lifeguards also responded.

The Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at 11:15 a.m., and a rescue swimmer was lowered to the “Mahana” along with a pump to get water off the boat.

Once the rate of incoming water slowed, the crew began heading toward port, and safely moored in Mission Bay at about 1:45 p.m.

There were no reported injuries.

City ups fines for illegal dumping

As part of his “Clean SD” initiative, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer increased fines of up to $1,000 for any individuals found illegally dumping trash and other waste. The new penalty structure went into effect March 6 and a dozen citations have already been issued for illegal dumping, which is one of the most reported complaints through the City’s “Get It Done” app.

The previous process relied on pages of charts for Code Compliance Officers to interpret, and consisted of one or two Notices of Violation before assessing fines, resulting in inconsistencies and delays in penalizing violators.

In addition to increased fines, the police department has stepped up patrols around hotspots known for illegal dumping, and installed cameras at two of them.

Police Blotter

April 8

Vehicle break-in/theft, 6000 block Beaumont Ave., 11 a.m.

April 9

Petty theft, 5400 block La Jolla Blvd. 2:35 p.m.

April 10

Vehicle theft, 700 block Wrelton Drive, 3:45 p.m.

April 11

Vehicle theft, 8100 block Camino Del Oro, 7 a.m.

April 16

Vehicle break-in/theft, 5500 block Taft Ave., 3 a.m.

Vehicle break-in/theft, 500 block Rushville St., 8 p.m.

Fraud, 1000 block Wilbur Ave., 9 p.m.

April 18

Vehicle theft, 3200 block La Jolla Village Drive, 10:57 p.m.

April 19

Petty theft, 2200 block Torrey Pines Road, noon

Petty theft, 7500 block Draper Ave., 2:30 p.m.

April 21

Vehicle break-in/theft, 3500 block Lebon Drive, 4:30 p.m.

April 22

Rape (details were not available by Tuesday morning deadline), 2500 block Torrey Pines Road, 3 a.m.