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Cancer Charity's Ex-CEO Pleads Guilty to Grand Theft

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The former president and CEO of a San Diego cancer charity admitted Tuesday to stealing thousands of dollars meant to help sick children.

Brianna King pleaded guilty in San Diego Superior Court to grand theft in connection to her time at the helm of nonprofit WishWarriors. The district attorney’s office opened a criminal investigation into King after an NBC 7 Investigation revealed children profiled by the charity never received the donations they were promised.

In early July, a WishWarriors board member confirmed most of the money raised by the charity appeared to be gone.

According to Deputy District Attorney James Teh, if King pays at least $10,000 in restitution to WishWarriors by December, prosecutors will not oppose her request to serve jail time in San Diego. He said that $10,000 figure gives you an idea of the amount she admitted to stealing.

The Harvey family of Rancho Penasquitos were the first to bring concerns about King and WishWarriors to NBC 7 Investigates. They said after their 13-year-old daughter, Kasey, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer last year, WishWarriors reached out and promised the family financial support if the organization could highlight them.

They agreed but have never seen any money from the organization, despite participating in WishWarriors-sponsored fundraisers. The family of Maddie Taylor, a 12-year-old battling bone cancer, tells a similar story.

Georgine Taylor, Maddie’s mother, told NBC 7 Investigates she is glad this ordeal is almost over because this is the last thing their daughter should worry about.

“She’s having a hard time with the why and how, and we just have to keep her attention to and keep her motivated and keep her focused on the goal,” said Georgine.

She said her family will be there for other victims, hoping to prevent such theft from happening again.

WishWarriors directors sent NBC 7 Investigates a statement Tuesday that said they are happy to learn about King’s guilty plea.

“We are hopeful that we will receive the partial restitution of the funds that were stolen from the organization; however, we do not know when or how such payment will be made,” the statement reads in part.

If they do receive restitution, directors said they will make sure the families most affected by King’s “deceit” get the money they were promised. The charity’s board of directors will meet within the next two weeks to determine the future for WishWarriors. Read the directors’ full statement by clicking here.

King’s sentencing, scheduled for Dec. 9, is not the end of her legal troubles. Another warrant from Riverside County, unrelated to the WishWarriors case, is still active for King. A 2005 misdemeanor complaint alleges King wrote bad checks, totaling $377, to two stores. After not appearing in court an arrest warrant was issued.

NBC 7 Investigates first reported on King’s criminal history in July. In San Diego County, King was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty in 2004 to four misdemeanor counts for using fraudulent checks and burglary. Though she was ordered to pay $2,905, probation documents show she never paid the full amount.

In 2007, King pleaded guilty in Orange County to felony charges for burglary and writing bad checks.
 


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Mom Loses Control of SUV With Tot Inside, Slams Into Building

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A woman was in custody Wednesday, accused of child endangerment after crashing her vehicle into a Santee dry cleaning store.

Samijo Melfa, 25, was arrested by San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies just before midnight Tuesday.

Deputies say Melfa’s two-year-old daughter was in the car when Melfa drove over the median on Mission Gorge Road and continued going the wrong way for almost a block.

The car then rolled up onto the sidewalk at Town Center Parkway and entered the Costco parking lot, deputies said.

The car lost a wheel and drove up a small embankment into the back wall of Style Cleaners, officials said.

Significant damage was done to the back wall of the business.

The toddler was in the care of her grandmother who told NBC 7 she was relieved no one was injured.

"To be quite honest it's a sad situation but it's a wake up call I hope for my daughter because drug addiction and alcohol destroys lives," Joni Atkins said.

Deputies say Melfa was arrested for driving under the influence and booked into the Las Colinas Detention Facility.


 

Poway Inches Closer to Drone 'No-Fly Zone'

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The Poway City Council voted 4 -1 Tuesday in favor of a temporary ordinance limiting drone activity during local emergencies like wildfires while asking the city attorney to review a permanent fix.

The ordinance has support of many local homeowners, but some worry the temporary fix over reaches and was hastily written and approved.

The current law, passed as an “interim emergency ordinance”, which means it’s only good for 45 days, is vague by design giving law enforcement “discretion” to crack down on drone operators within city limits.

Mayor Steve Vaus, who came up with the idea after seeing high profile news events of drones interfering with firefighters, says the final law will be more detailed.

“There is no chance someone is going to be busted for flying a drone that is not truly interfering with a significant public emergency” said Vaus. “The Sheriff’s Department has a clear understanding of what the intent of this is and when it is to be applied.

Several homeowners, who admitted confidence in the mayor and council said the temporary law still makes them nervous. “I generally do not like to see laws written when somebody in government says ‘trust me, we’re not going to enforce this except when we want to. Laws should be passed and uniformly enforced” said Steve Sarviel.

Vaus ultimately wants to establish a two-mile, no-fly zone around local emergencies which would carry a $1,000 fine for anyone who breaks the rules.

Vaus isn’t aware of any other local municipalities who’ve tackled the issue with these kind of local rules and fines, but he believes it will easily pass through city council at Tuesday’s meeting.

“Hopefully as the word goes out that we have this ordinance in place and we’re taking it seriously, somebody is going to think twice about whether all those YouTube views will be worth the fine and losing your $1,000 helicopter," the mayor said.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Arson Suspected in Vista Fire

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Flames engulfed a vacant business building in Vista Tuesday night and officials suspect the fire may have been intentionally set.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said the blaze began just after 10:20 p.m. at an empty business located at 631 S. Santa Fe Ave.

More than 30 firefighters from multiple North County agencies were called out to fight the flames, fearing the fire would spread to surrounding buildings, including the offices of a construction company located next door.

The fire did spread to one side of that neighboring business, but crews were able to knock out the flames within about 20 minutes, Ned Vander Pol of the Vista Fire Department said.

All of the businesses were unoccupied at the time of the fire, Vander Pol said, and no one was injured.

The San Diego Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit was called to the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. Investigators said a witness reported seeing an unknown man standing in front of the business just before the fire broke out.

Officials said arson is suspected, but no arrests have been made thus far.

The fire caused approximately $100,000 in damages to the building.

Anyone with information on this fire should call the sheriff’s department at (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

At Memorial for Teen, Friend Advocates for Safer Streets

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Family members and friends gathered to share memories at a memorial for Chula Vista teen Anthony Hofer  Wednesday night, remembering the teen who many described as a kind soul. 

“He just seemed to love a little more and just be kinder than most people,” said his uncle, Jim Sandoval, at the celebration of his life. 

Pictures of Anthony's smiling face lit up Swiss Park in Chula Vista where the ceremony was held. Because the Olympian High School junior loved soccer, his friends showed up in jerseys at his family's request.

Teammate Christian Escalante says Anthony planned to go pro with his skills. 

"He would be able to see stuff before it happened," Escalante said of the teen's soccer skills. 

A giant "A" for Anthony overlooks the growing memorial where the 17-year-old was found dead in the brush last Thursday on the 2300 block of Heritage Road.

Anthony's best friend Eddie Olsen was praised, after the ceremony, for trying to bring new safety measures to the Chula Vista Road where his friend died. So far, more than 2,000 people have signed Olsen's online petition urging the City to install surveillance cameras and speed bumps on the road.

“I wanted to bring something positive from Tony's tragedy," Olsen said. "The first thing I thought of was making the street safer.”

The body of Anthony Hofer was found last week in some brush near Sleep Train Amphitheater. A jogger made the discovery Thursday morning along a path Hofer would often walk, his friends say. It was just five minutes from his home.

Chula Vista Police homicide detectives have questioned several witnesses and obtained video surveillance footage from the area to try and determine what may have happened to Hofer.

The family contacted police after midnight Thursday, according to a department spokesperson.

Hofer was found on the side of the road next to a tree with trauma on his face and parts of his body. He was wearing no shoes or socks when he was found, officials said.

Hofer's death appears on the surface to be the case of a hit-and-run incident, Chula Vista Police spokesperson Lt. Lon Turner. However, investigators are waiting for results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Olsen says regardless of what’s found, action needs to be taken. 

“That road is still very dangerous and we need to do something about it," Olsen said. "I’m very disappointed in my city that we haven't made a change sooner.”

“Anthony’s death is sad and tragic," City spokeswoman Anne Steinberger said. "Because the cause is still under investigation, it's too early to determine what would need to be done."

She noted Heritage Road is on the development map for future changes.

Anyone with information on the incident can call Chula Vista homicide detectives at (619) 691-5151.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Officials Release Soccer Players Accused of Disrupting Flight

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A group of young soccer players arrested after some kind of disturbance on a Southwest flight were released Wednesday under special conditions, NBC 7 has learned.

Saiman Hermez, 19; Jonathan Khalid Petras, 20; Ghazwan Asaad Shaba, 21; Essa Solaqa, 20; Khalid Yohana, 19; and Wisam Imad Shaker, 23, have been charged with a federal crime of interference with a flight crew.

The El Cajon men were released from federal custody Wednesday under specific conditions, court deputy Elodia Brito confirmed.

The group left San Diego Monday night aboard Chicago-bound Southwest Flight 1522 when the plane was diverted to Amarillo, Texas. The crew declared a "Level 1 Threat" and pilots made an unscheduled landing.

A flight attendant was "in fear for the safety of the crew and passengers" when she asked pilots to divert the aircraft, according to criminal complaint.

Southwest Airlines said, “several passengers traveling together became disorderly” and “refused to obey instructions from the crew.”

Prosecutors allege the teammates talked loudly, used profanity, lunged forward at a flight attendant, called her racist and a pig, and attempted to incite other passengers.

Some family members in El Cajon question whether it was the team’s behavior or the Chaldean language they spoke that upset the flight attendant and some passengers enough to ask the pilot to land the plane.

"It was just a group of Middle Eastern boys speaking our language having fun on a plane going on their first vacation together for a soccer tournament,” said Tamara Petras, sister of defendant Jonathan Petras.

El Cajon businessman Mark Arabo said the men would be returning to San Diego Wednesday evening or Thursday.  

The group of friends between 18 and 23 years old play in a recreational soccer league on Thursday nights. A league representative said the team was headed to Chicago to take part in soccer games with teams from around the country and the world as part of a weekend conference. 

While the FAA categorizes disruptive behavior as the lowest level threat, the charge of interfering with a flight crew carries a maximum 20 year prison sentence if convicted.



Photo Credit: Amarillo County

Rangers and Padres Moving In Different Directions

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Clint Barmes provided a spark knocking in 3 runs against San Diego native Cole Hamels while pitcher Ian Kennedy struck out a season-high 12 batters. But in the end, the team that appears to be heading to the postseason eked out a 4-3 victory in extra innings.

The Rangers scored the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th inning on a double by Mitch Moreland.

Barmes knows how to put the ball in play against Hamels. Barmes is batting over .350 against the lefty since joining the Friars. He was a thorn in the side of the former Phillie dating back to his days in a Colorado Rockies uniform.

He smacked a 2-run single in the 4th to give San Diego a 2-1 lead, and then in the 6th he reached safely on a fielder’s choice that should have been a double play. Lady Luck helped Justin Upton touch home plate on the play to give Barmes his 3rd RBI of the contest.

Kennedy struck out the side with gusto in the 7th inning to cap off a solid outing. But other than Barmes, there was little help from the Friars’ offense.

These are the types of games a team that has playoff aspirations finds a way to win. The Rangers new ace on the mound pitched 7 strong innings and gave them a chance to succeed.

For the second straight night, Elvis Andrus made a devastating play to swing the game in favor of the Rangers.

Tuesday the shortstop stole home to provide an exclamation point in a 4-run 7th inning that led to an eventual 8-6 victory.

In the rubber match, Andrus gloved a grounder with the potential tying run on 2nd base and instead of throwing to first, he caught Yangervis Solarte in no-man’s land and tagged him for a crucial 2nd out in the bottom of the 10th inning. San Diego’s last gasp was snuffed out.

Two more reasons why Texas looks like a wildcard team in the American League and the Padres unfortunately look like a 4th place squad in their division.



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News

Ex-Hillary Clinton Staffer to Invoke the Fifth

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A former Hillary Clinton staffer who helped set up the former secretary of state's private email server has vowed to invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer questions after a congressional committee subpoenaed him, MSNBC confirmed late Wednesday.

Bryan Pagliano, who worked for Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign and at the State Department, has been identified in digital records as the person who set up her email server in 2009.

The House Select Committee on Benghazi, which is investigating Clinton's emails, subpoenaed Pagliano last month to testify. But his lawyer said Monday that the IT specialist would refuse to answer questions, asserting his constitutional right against self-incrimination, The Washington Post first reported Wednesday.

A Clinton campaign aide said in a statement to NBC News Wednesday the candidate has encouraged aides to answer any questions.



Photo Credit: AP

SDSU Lifts Suspension Against Accused Student

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San Diego State University has lifted a 21-year-old student’s suspension after an investigation found allegations of sexual misconduct against him were unsubstantiated.

Francisco Paiva Sousa – a transfer student from Portugal – was arrested on Dec. 8, 2014, on suspicion of oral copulation with force and false imprisonment with force against a female student, campus police told NBC 7 at the time.

The student's arrest came amid 13 reported sex assaults on or around the SDSU campus in one semester. Seven of those reported cases happened at locations classified as a fraternity or student housing.

Sousa’s case was ultimately rejected by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office on Jan. 28, 2015.

Sousa’s attorney, Domenic J. Lombardo, provided documents that confirm the university has closed his case. NBC 7 reached out to SDSU, but school officials said they cannot comment on the matter or any lawsuits stemming from this case.

According to documents provided by Sousa’s attorney, the suspension against Sousa was lifted in early June after an investigation found “insufficient evidence exists to support the allegations [of sexual misconduct].”

As a result, a hold was lifted from Sousa’s transcripts and, as the documents state, “he’s free to return at any time he wishes.”

Sousa’s attorney said SDSU officials sent out a mass, campus-wide email on Dec. 9, 2014, which called Sousa out as a sexual predator, listed the allegations against him and identified him by name.

“The email stigmatized him in a lasting and terribly harmful way,” Lombardo said.

“The email basically accused me of being a criminal,” Sousa told NBC 7 Wednesday.

Sousa plans to file a lawsuit against SDSU.

He also wants the school to clear his name by sending students and staff a mass email saying all charges in his case were dropped.

Sousa – who’s now enrolled at a different school in California – told NBC 7 the ordeal has been difficult for him and his family.

“It was very hard for me and for my family,” Sousa said. “I’m gonna stand up and I’m gonna try to prevail, and I’m going to overcome this. I’m sure that with the help of my family and with the help of my friend, we will be able to overcome any obstacle.”

Sousa said the allegations ruined his reputation. In some cases, some students only knew him from the mass email sent out by the university. He said he received hate mail at one point from fellow students who didn't know him better.

“My reputation got completely tarnished,” said Sousa. “But I’m not the only victim here. Real rape victims are also affected by lies, when someone makes a false accusation.”

“I’m now trying to rebuild the remains of what I once had,” he added. “I hope to have a better life in the future.”
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego

City Penalizes Company for Dumping Chemicals in Drain

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The city of Vista is penalizing a food-making company for dumping chemicals into a storm drain.

The incident first surfaced when an ex-janitor at Fresh Creative Foods in Vista told NBC 7 Investigates he shot video of the July 15 dumping. 

Marco Estes said his boss allegedly ordered him and his co-workers to dump the partial contents of 75 chemical containers in a drain at the company’s warehouse on Birch Street. Estes said he had no training in chemicals or waste disposal.

Documents obtained by NBC 7 Investigates reveal that on August 19, the City of Vista cited Fresh Creative Foods for the “prohibited discharge… of hazardous substances into city storm drain”.

That administrative citation includes a $100 penalty for a first-time citation.

NBC 7 Investigates has also confirmed that -- in a separate investigation -- a scientist from the state water quality control board inspected the watershed around the company’s property Wednesday, looking for possible environmental damage from that chemical run-off.

The state inspector said, depending on what she finds, the state board could issue penalties of more than $10,000 against Fresh Creative Foods in Vista.

The state water board was alerted to the problem by the city of Vista’s Code Enforcement Division, which learned about the alleged dumping from the initial NBC 7 Investigates story.

NBC 7 Investigates has also confirmed the District Attorney’s office is investigating the alleged illegal dumping.

Fresh Creative Foods would not comment on the citations or investigations, but in an email said, "employee safety is paramount at Fresh Creative Foods."

Estes said those chemicals burned his skin, damaged his lungs and harmed a co-worker who helped him get rid of the substances. Estes started recording the dumping when he realized the chemicals could injure people and were a danger to the environment.

Dr. Fred Garces, a chemistry professor at San Diego Miramar College, told NBC 7 two of the chemicals Estes said he helped dump can create a dangerous chlorine gas when mixed and diluted with water.

"In bulk, you generate a lot of that gas. It can easily overcome somebody and render them really helpless," Garces said.

According to the professor, the chemicals listed on the labels stuck to the barrels in Estes’ video — including Boost 32, Quorum Yellow 2 and alkaline cleaners and acids — are not dangerous when used properly to clean food-making equipment.

Garces said mixing them together and flushing them down a public drain can harm humans, as well as kill fish and other wildlife.

"Oh yes, I would be very concerned,” he said. “That's why they have these companies that can take it and treat it properly and dispose of it properly."

On Thursday, Aug. 13, local attorney Dan Gilleon filed a lawsuit on Estes’ behalf against the parent company of Fresh Creative Foods, the staffing company that hired Estes and sent him to work at the company, and the supervisor who allegedly directed Estes to dump to the chemicals.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants’ actions harmed Estes.

“He wasn't given any training,” said Gilleon. “He wasn't given any protective gear. It wasn't even his job."

The lawsuit also alleges Estes was fired without cause when he reported back to work after getting medical treatment. According to Gilleon, the company fired him because they feared he would become a whistleblower.

The owner of the staffing company that hired Estes, Express Services in Carlsbad, said he's investigating the allegations but doesn’t have sufficient information to comment on Estes’ allegations or the lawsuit.



Photo Credit: Marcos Estes

Man Fatally Shot by Cops May Have Had Knife: Investigators

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Investigators believe that a Texas man shot to death by deputies with his hands up was holding a knife, the sheriff told reporters on Wednesday.

Footage was posted online of the shooting of 41-year-old Gilbert Flores in San Antonio that appeared to show him raise his hands before being shot. The first piece of footage of the Aug. 28 incident was filmed from a distance. It does not show one of Flores' hands, which was apparently obscured by a utility pole.

A second video that provides more "clarity" of the shooting is being investigated by police, who have not made the video public yet.

"We believe that Mr. Flores had a knife in his hand, and that video will help us have a better idea of exactly what he had in his hand," Sheriff Susan Pamerleau of Bexar County told reporters.

Ky. Clerk Blocking Gay Marriages to Appear Before Judge

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The Kentucky clerk who has defied the U.S. Supreme Court's gay marriage ruling by refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples will appear Thursday morning before a federal judge to explain why she should not be held in contempt of court, NBC News reported. 

The judge ordered Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis and all of her deputies to appear before him at 11 a.m. Lawyers for four couples who sought marriage licenses from her but were turned down urged the judge "to impose financial penalties sufficiently serious and increasingly onerous to compel Davis' immediate compliance without further delay."

Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses a few hours after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling in June, saying she's following "God's word" and that granting licenses to gay couples would violate her religious convictions.

A question for the judge will be whether she is unable to comply or, instead, unwilling.
 



Photo Credit: AP

'It's All Gone': Couple Hopes to Find Missing Baby Pictures

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 A San Diego couple who lost their camera bag at Disneyland Saturday is hoping the power of social media will compel someone to return five lost memory cards filled with baby photos.

“It’s all gone,” said San Diego resident Andrew Heintz. “There’s not a single video…Everything was on there.”

Heintz and his wife, Victoria, were at Disneyland with their 21-month-old daughter when their large black bag carrying their Canon Rebel EOS T3i SLR camera, Sony Handycam camcorder, USB plug-ins, battery chargers and several SD cards, went missing. Only one of the memory cards was backed up.

The incident happened around noon that day when the couple was getting ready to change the baby. By the time Heintz realized he had put the bag by Disney’s Imagination Room and ran back to get it, it was gone.

“That was unreal,” Heintz said. “We couldn’t even really look at each other.”

Heintz filed a report with the Anaheim Police Department in hopes they would be able to access the security footage in the park to help find the perpetrator. The couple also filed a report with Disneyland Lost and Found.

“The gravity of what we lost started really taking over,” Heintz said. “We couldn’t talk.”

As more time goes by, the more the couple believes someone stole their bag. They bought the camera and video camera before their baby was born. Andrew and Victoria went to a store to buy top-of-the-line equipment so they would be able to capture every moment of their baby girl growing up. 

“We really did turn into those parents, maybe a little too much, taping and taking photos of everything,” Heintz said. “Everything on there is baby. There’s not a single photo of me and my wife somewhere. Every single shot is baby, baby, baby, just getting older.”

The couple has taken to social media, hoping the person who took their camera will consider returning the property.

“There’s always success stories,” Heintz said. “We’ve found items there before and turned them in and even found the owner of property there.”

At the very least, Heintz said, he hopes someone will return memory cards.

“It’s a plea,” Heintz said. “It’s a plea to the deepest, deepest piece of soul you have.”



Photo Credit: Andrew Heintz

Taylor Swift Fan Pleads Not Guilty to Jumping Fence

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A Taylor Swift fan is facing multiple charges after he allegedly jumped a fence and rushed on stage during the pop star's San Diego concert. 

“When asked why he went on stage, he said, ‘I love that girl,’ referring to Ms. Swift,” said Deputy District Attorney Jessica Coto in court.

Christian Ewing, 26, appeared in a San Diego court Wednesday, pleading not guilty to two felony charges, a misdemeanor and a municipal code violation. Those charges could land him behind bars for almost five years combined if convicted.

The incident occurred Saturday night at Petco Park, where viewer video shows a person running on-stage, just steps away from where the singer was performing her hit, 'Style.' 

Ewing, who appeared in court with a bandage on his head, is accused of hopping a fence at the concert. When a security guard told him he could not be in the area and tried to grab him, Ewing escaped and ran onto the stage, Coto said in court.

When Ewing took off, an altercation occurred, Coto said, and Ewing was eventually dragged off stage. 

One of Swift's security guards suffered severe rib injuries and will need at least eight weeks to recover, Coto said. 

When he spoke with police later, Ewing gave them a false name, Coto said. Officials are investigating whether he had a valid ticket to enter the arena and the entire incident is under investigation. 

Coto said Ewing has an active warrant for a theft-related offense in Florida and has an assault-related offense in Georgia. He was previously convicted out-of-state of attempting to manufacture or manufacturing drugs in 2013. 

Ewing was formally charged Wednesday with assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, battery with serious injury, both felonies, and a misdemeanor for giving police the wrong name. For entering an area he was not supposed to enter during an event, he also faces a municipal code violation. 

Bail was set at $100,000 due to his flight risk. He is due back in court on Sept. 14.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

1 Marine Killed, 11 Hurt in Helicopter Hard Landing

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One Marine has been killed and 11 others were hurt when a helicopter made a hard landing at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the U.S. Marine Corps said, NBC News reported. 

The CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter came down hard during a training exercise around 9 p.m. Wednesday, officials said in a statement.

The name of the dead Marine would not be released for 24 hours.

Of the 11 hurt, nine were released from the hospital and two are in stable condition. The landing remains under investigation, Capt. Kendra Motz told NBC News.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Man Found Dead on Encanto Street

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SAn Diego Police are investigating the death of a man in Encanto. NBC 7's Liberty Zabala reports from Evelyn Street where the homicide team interviewed a witness.

Photo Credit: NBC 7

Newest Lobster Food Truck Rolls Into San Diego

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Talk about a catch for local foodies: a company known for its fresh Maine lobster sandwiches is opening its newest food truck this weekend, rolling its rolls into downtown San Diego.

Cousins Maine Lobster (CML) – a company that gained fame on the TV series, “Shark Tank” – will open its newest “lobster shack on wheels” Friday at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Quartyard at 1102 Market St.

On Saturday, the food truck will make its way over to 1 Park Blvd. from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Memorial Stair Climb. CML co-founder Sabin Lomac will be there to meet customers.

The company's newest food truck franchise is owned by San Diego couple Joey and Amanda Graham. The truck has had a number of soft openings across the city before this weekend's grand opening.

With the opening of the San Diego franchise, CML now has 18 food truck operating in 11 cities nationwide, plus a brick-and-mortar restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif.

The Cousin's menu boasts a variety of Maine lobster dishes, but the company's most famous item is the Maine Lobster Roll ($13.50), a simple, buttery, New England-style sandwich roll stacked with fresh lobster meat and a touch of mayo, served chilled for an authentic taste of Southern Maine.

Other lobster goodies on the menu include the Lobster Quesadilla, a 4.5-ounce Maine lobster tail served with drawn butter and Lobster Tots, tater tots topped with warmed lobster meat, cilantro lime sauce and pico de gallo. The food truck also serves tacos, soups and even ice cream.

CML was founded in 2012 by second cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis who grew up along the shores of Casco Bay, Maine. The cousins' vision was to build a business that mixed the beaches and food truck scene of Southern California with the Maine lobster cuisine they both loved as kids.

All CML lobster is sourced directly from Down East, Maine, where the cousins grew up, and the recipes are those the cousins ate as kids at family gatherings on the East Coast.

Lomac says launching their newest food truck franchise in San Diego makes perfect sense.
“We are thrilled to finally have a truck based in this great, diverse city. We knew San Diego was a natural extension for the business because it has a great appetite for unique foods, like the authentic taste of our fresh Maine lobster dishes,” he said.

To learn more about CML in San Diego, click here.



Photo Credit: Cousins Maine Lobster/Facebook

Best Local Spots for Fried Chicken

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Crispy fried chicken can be packed for picnics or placed on top of waffles. Eat it alongside coleslaw or devour it with mashed potatoes.

In San Diego, there are plenty of places to get your hands on this mouthwatering American classic. Our friends at Yelp have compiled this list of local eateries that crisp up poultry in ways that will please any palate that wants to take a peck. Don't forget the napkins.
 
Richie’s Real American Diner (Temecula)
On Wednesdays, order Linda’s Pan-Fried Chicken Special from this Temecula-based diner. It’s served with country gravy, real mashed potatoes, green beans and a buttermilk biscuit with plenty of butter and Linda’s own five-berry jam. You can also order Papa’s Version, dipped in buttermilk, breaded and grilled up alongside all the fixins.
 
Bonnie Jean’s Soul Food Café (San Diego)
Yelp reviewers are obsessed with the chicken and waffles at this authentic Southern-style spot. Definitely add the Honey Pecan Glaze to your dish. If the waffles are to sweet for your taste buds, order your dinner with a side of crinkle cut fries. Bonnie Jean's offers weekly specials and has a solid fan following, so be prepared for a wait. But trust us, this soul food is worth it.

Beach Plum Kitchen (Carlsbad)
This option won’t totally ruin your diet: try the Butermilk Fried Chicken Salad made with baby kale, carrots, cucumber, fresh tomatoes on organic greens with a delicious, creamy basil dressing. If a bed of lettuce isn’t your cup of tea, you have the option to get the poultry with home-friend potatoes instead.

Prepkitchen ( Various Locations: Del Mar; La Jolla; Little Italy)
Place your fried chicken on a sandwich and call it a day. Prepkitchen (at all three locations) creates a lunch treat to rave about topped with bread and butter pickles and a lemon thyme aioli. The buttermilk friend chicken is the center stage star between the soft bread. The menu here often changes so get it while it’s hot. This is is a lunch break you don’t want to pass up!

Waypoint Public (North Park)
Another sandwich to savor can be found fried and golden brown at Waypoint Public in North Park. This spot serves crispy chicken on a cheddar biscuit with smoked bacon, arugula, a fried egg and a maple reduction. The craft beer menu is extensive with over 100 bottled beers and 30 taps, so there's surely a perfect pour to pair with your poultry.

The Huddle (Mission Hills)
The Huddle dishes out a generous portion of perfectly fried chicken on top of a golden waffle that is simple and delicious. On the side for some slathering: tasty maple syrup and a homemade apple butter. The casual diner atmosphere makes this joint a place for neighborhood locals.



Photo Credit: Yelp
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Ferguson Police Made Unrest Worse: Justice Department

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Police tactics used by police during violent street protests last year in Ferguson, Missouri, increased tensions between law enforcement and protesters, according to a report by the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Service. 

The use of dogs, snipers, and tactical vehicles designed for the military "inflamed tensions and created fear among demonstrators," the report said. 

The office came to the conclusion after reviewing how police responded int he 17 days after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man, Michael Brown, by a white police officer.



Photo Credit: AP

Correctional Deputies Arrested After 'Brutal' Inmate Death

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Three Santa Clara County Sheriff's correctional deputies have been arrested on suspicion of murder, conspiracy and assault following the death of an inmate last week, the sheriff announced Thursday.

The deputies were identified by the Sheriff's Office as: Jereh Lubrin, Matthew Farris and Rafael Rodriguez.

“The disappointment and disgust that I feel cannot be overstated,” Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith said at a news conference Thursday. “Because our investigation has concluded that three correctional deputies…are the reason for this brutal murder of Michael Tyree.” (Watch the sheriff's press conference in its entirety)

Investigators said all three of the accused deputies have requested lawyers and declined to give a statement.

They are being held without bail and have been moved to holding facilities outside Santa Clara County so that they don't have to be behind bars at the same place where they work, Smith said.

As of Thursday morning, the Santa Clara County District Attorney did not have the case.

"That they would be recommending murder charges shows how egregious the evidence must be. This is highly unusual, not just locally, but nationally," said vocal police critic Raj Jayedev of Silicon Valley DeBug. "But the arrest is just the first step in holding these officers accountable. The DA's office carries the responsibility now, and we hope their office pursues justice, and are not deterred by the fact that these people wear a badge. The community will be watching closely. I suspect the nation will as well. I believe the safety of all the inmates currently incarcerated is also an immediate concern as the court proceedings continue."

The deputies' arrests follow the Aug. 27 death of Michael Tyree, 31, at the Santa Clara County Main Jail. He was serving a five-day sentence for a petty theft misdemeanor and had served an identical sentence last April.

Sheriff Smith said at the news conference her department wanted to express its "profound sorrow" over Tyree's death.

Tyree was waiting to be transferred to a bed at Momentum Crisis Residential Treatment Center, a nonprofit providing mental health services in Santa Clara County. His family's attorney said Tyree had a history of mental health problems.

Before Tyree died, a physical confrontation between the deputies and the inmate ensued and Tyree was badly beaten, with lacerations to some of his internal organs. The coroner said Tyree sustained multiple blunt force injuries that caused internal bleeding. He called the death a homicide.

For the last week, the Sheriff's Office has said that the guards were making a routine welfare check on Tyree when they noticed he was unresponsive and called paramedics. Sheriff Smith said Thursday the three officers were the only people to enter Tyree’s cell on the night he died.

Sheriff Smith said she has invited the FBI to help investigate Tyree’s death.

The sheriff wouldn’t comment on whether the deputies were properly trained or if anyone else might have been involved.

NBC Bay Area's Stephen Stock contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department
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