SDPD Ramps Up Officer Presence in Gaslamp to Address Violence, "Lawlessness" at Night

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1 day ago
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In an effort to address nightly disorder and lawlessness in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Police Department dispatched more officers to the popular entertainment district over the weekend.

San Diego Police Chief Wahl announced the effort, Operation Last Call, last week, with a special focus on crowded intersections like 5th Avenue and F Street. His announcement follows a huge brawl last weekend outside Tacos El Gordo. The police dragged assailants away and deployed pepper spray on the crowd, with five arrested.

This weekend, the scene at bar break was calmer.

“There was definitely a ramp-up of officers, approximately two on every block. So they definitely helped (by) having additional boots on the ground. They’re looking to continue to do that until they get the Gaslamp back to a state where it’s as safe as it should be, like it always should be.”—Gaslamp Quarter Association Executive Director Michael Trimble

Days after the Tacos el Gordo fight, flanked by a wall of uniforms, Wahl announced up to 25 officers would be assigned to manage crowds, brawls and public intoxication in the Gaslamp from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

He pledged the Gaslamp will become safe once again thanks to dedicated foot patrols, undercover VICE teams making sure bars aren’t serving underage patrons, plus enforcement of public consumption and disorderly conduct.

The effort will be “highly visible,” and officers will have zero tolerance for unlawful behavior, Chief Wahl said.

Violence in the nightlife hub has increased in recent years.

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