In the early morning hours of May 18, 2024, a black sedan fired gel-pellet shots into several LGBTQ‑friendly establishments in San Diego’s Hillcrest and North Park neighborhoods. Among the targeted venues were Rich’s Nightclub, The Rail, Number One Fifth Avenue, and PECS Bar. I was struck in the eye and required medical treatment. Local law enforcement is investigating these drive-by shootings as possible hate crimes.
This was not a random act of violence. The San Diego Police Department’s Western Division has identified a series of pellet-gun attacks in Hillcrest, North Park, and Old Town that evening, involving what appears to be the same or related suspect vehicle. The vehicle is described as a black sedan, and Crime Stoppers has listed the case on its Suspects Wanted for Hate Crime Incidents page.
Why This Fund Exists
I was one of the people hit during the May 2024 incident. I was struck directly in the eye, sustaining a significant injury. Since then, I have endured both physical recovery and deep emotional trauma. But even as I heal, the people who attacked me remain unaccounted for—and the community is at risk.
In addition to the May attack, recent hate-motivated incidents targeting LGBTQ people in Hillcrest have further alarmed the public. These incidents are part of a concerning pattern, and the perpetrators have not been fully identified or brought to justice.
That is why a $10,000 reward fund is being raised — not just for my attack, but for justice and accountability for the LGBTQ community here in San Diego.
- $8,000 will go toward increasing the Crime Stoppers reward for the May 2024 drive-by pellet-gun shootings
- $2,000 will fund a new reward for the recent related attacks, giving investigators a stronger tool to generate tips.
About the Crime Stoppers Reward
San Diego County Crime Stoppers is working in partnership with local law enforcement and the community-driven Hate Crime Fund.
- The current publicly listed reward for the May 2024 case is $2,000.
- The tip line for Crime Stoppers is [phone redacted], and anonymous tips can also be submitted online via their secure system.
- Crime Stoppers guarantees full anonymity for tipsters. They issue a unique ID number that allows people to check on their tip status without revealing their identity.
- Tips that lead to felony arrests are eligible for reward payout.
The Hate Crime Fund helps support these rewards and was organized by community leaders. The fund has already raised significant contributions through community donations.
Why We Raise the Reward
- To Generate New, Actionable Tips: A $2,000 reward has already been offered, but it hasn’t produced the critical information that could lead to an arrest. Raising the reward to $10,000 makes it more likely someone with knowledge will come forward.
- To Signal Community Commitment: Raising the reward shows that the community is serious. It’s not just about one person’s trauma, but about collective accountability and solidarity.
- To Strengthen Investigations: Law enforcement has increased resources: SDPD has a dedicated hate crimes unit investigating these incidents and has installed smart streetlights with license plate readers (LPR) in Hillcrest to help track suspicious vehicles.
By raising funds, the community provides a tangible tool—reward money—that investigators can use to generate leads and catch the perpetrators.
How Donations Will Be Used
- 100% of the funds will be given to San Diego Crime Stoppers, specifically to increase the reward on the two cases described above.
- Funds will be tracked transparently, with updates shared publicly.
- If a tip leads to an arrest, the tipster is eligible for the reward. If no arrest is made, there are procedures to reallocate or return funds based on donor preferences.
Why This Is Urgent
- Both attacks occurred in the same geographic corridor — signaling a pattern and someone who may strike again.
- The existing reward has not spurred enough tip activity.
- Without community pressure, these cases risk going cold.
- Hate crime investigations rely heavily on witness cooperation, making public participation critical.
How You Can Help
- Donate — Any amount helps. Increasing the reward strengthens the case.
- Share — Spread this GoFundMe link through your networks and social media. More visibility = higher chance someone recognizes information.
- Submit tips — If you know anything or remember something, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at [phone redacted] or submit online.
Final Word
This is not just about funding—it’s about justice. By raising this reward, we give investigators and the community the resources to identify those responsible for these attacks and prevent further violence. Every contribution helps keep Hillcrest safer and sends a clear message: hate will not go unchallenged.
Organizer
