Police investigating string of drive-by pellet gun shootings as possible hate crimes
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diego Police are investigating a string of drive-by pellet gun shootings at several Hillcrest businesses over the weekend as possible hate crimes.
In total, four LGBTQ+ friendly businesses in Hillcrest were the target of the pellet gun shootings around 1 a.m. Saturday — The Rail, Number One Fifth Avenue, Rich’s night club and Pecs Bar.
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In surveillance video obtained by FOX 5 from two of those businesses, you can see at least three staff members at two separate locations being hit by a pellet gun that was fired out of a vehicle driving by.
Surveillance video outside Rich’s night club on University Avenue shows the moment when an employee was brought to the ground by a pellet gun after being hit in the eye area, another can be seen being hit in the back of the head.
Police said in an update Monday that the security guard at Rich’s Nightclub was hit in the eye by the gel pellets and needed minor surgery.
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Over on 5th Avenue, a security worker standing outside of The Rail can be seen in separate surveillance video being shot in the arm by a pellet gun from a moving vehicle.
San Diego Police say Pecs Bar and Number One Fifth Ave. were fired upon, with no injuries.
The owner of Rich’s night club said he heard reports of similar incidents in the San Diego area that night, mainly in the Old Town/downtown area.
On Monday, San Diego Police released additional information on another shooting from a pellet gun that police believe to be related. According to SDPD, a man was hit by gel pellets while walking with his wife in Old Town, and was not injured. Police say that incident is not believed to be hate-motivated.
There are no suspects in custody. Police are describing the suspect’s vehicle as a newer, black sedan.
Police are still working to confirm whether or not this was a targeted attack or hate crime, and whether the incidents are related.
The San Diego Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call SDPD’s non-emergency line at 619-531-2000.
Following the incident, SDPD’s Western Division has added additional patrols to the Hillcrest area and say they will continue those for the coming days.
An investigation into the shootings is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call SDPD’s non-emergency line at 619-531-2000.
Sarah Alegre contributed to this report
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