The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) arrested four individuals early Sunday morning following a string of hate crime incidents in Hillcrest. The arrests were aided by the use of surveillance footage and SDPD’s Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system.

On June 21, shortly after half past midnight, SDPD received several calls reporting that suspects in a car were throwing eggs at customers and security guards at multiple LGBTQ+ restaurants and bars located along University Avenue. Two businesses and three individuals were hit with eggs. Security video from one of the businesses captured the vehicle's license plate.

SDPD officers were dispatched to the scene to gather additional information and began working to locate the vehicle and the suspects.

Three hours later, SDPD’s ALPR system was used to locate the vehicle heading eastbound in Pacific Beach. During the investigation, officers located evidence of the crime in the vehicle.

Based on the video footage, the ALPR information, and the evidence found in the vehicle, one juvenile and three adults were arrested for Violating Civil Rights by Threat or Force, Conspiracy to Commit a Misdemeanor, and Battery.

SDPD takes reports of hate crimes very seriously and works swiftly to investigate and hold individuals who are committing these acts of violence accountable. Anyone who is a victim of a hate crime is encouraged to report it immediately. In an emergency, call 9-1-1, or dial the non-emergency line at 619-531-2000 to report the incident. 

More information and resources regarding hate crimes can be found at: www.sandiego.gov/police/services/hate-crimes.