Community Corner

Fatal Accident Shuts Down Interstate 15

The accident was reported around 3:25 a.m. on Christmas Day.

Fatal Accident

A fatal accident Sunday shut down the southbound Escondido (15) Freeway at Old Highway 385 east of Oceanside this.

The accident was reported at 3:25 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. No information on the victim was immediately released.

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Preliminary information indicated one vehicle wound up on its roof, either from a solo spinout or a collision with other vehicles, a CHP statement said.

The southbound Escondido Freeway was closed and traffic was being diverted around the accident site.

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Santa Bandit

A man disguised in a mask and a Santa hat robbed a Point Loma pharmacy of cash and pills Saturday, police said.

The suspect entered the Point Loma Cabrillo Drug pharmacy on Catalina Boulevard in the city of San Diego at 10:02 a.m. He simulated having a weapon and handed the clerk a demand note, San Diego Police Officer Mark Cali said.

He was given an undisclosed amount of pills and cash and fled northbound on Catalina Boulevard, Cali said.

The man is described as white, 40 to 50 years old, about 5 foot 10 inches, and wore a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, a white construction mask and a Santa hat.

Arrest Made in Sexual Assault Case

A 21-year-old man was in custody Saturday in connection with a sexual assault on two women who were bound together and groped in an Escondido home.

Joshua Nitkin was arrested about 5 p.m. Friday on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment and assault with a deadly weapon, San Diego Sheriff's Lt. James Bolwerk said.

The suspect was selling cleaning solution on Felicita Road near Monticello Drive about noon on Thursday when he knocked on the victims' door and offered a demonstration, Bolwerk said.

When a 19-year-old woman allowed him inside, he flashed a knife and threatened to kill her and her 22-year-old sister. He bound both women and molested them before fleeing on foot, Bolwerk said.

The victims freed themselves and called for help.

Detectives with the sheriff's Sexual Assault Unit gave a description of the suspect to patrol deputies, who found Nitkin and detained him, Bolwerk said.

According to jail records, Nitkin is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Vista Superior Court. He is being held without bail.


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