Fundraisers to Benefit Sheriff’s Detective Shot on Duty

As a sheriff’s detective continues to recover after being shot by a suspected child molester in Lakeside last month, fundraisers are being held across the county to help him and his family, including two events here in Poway.

Child abuse Detective Ali Perez and sheriff’s Sgt. Craig Johnson were ambushed after they arrived at the residence of 30-year-old Daniel Robert Witczak near El Capitan High School. The lawmen were shot by a high-powered rifle, seriously wounding both. Johnson is recovering at home, but Perez faces a months-long recovery in a hospital, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

It is unclear if Perez will be able to return to work, and the ordeal has been a financial hardship on his family, which includes his two daughters in college, according to the department.

A motorcycle ride on Nov. 3 benefiting the Detective Ali Perez Support Fund, which was set up by the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, will begin at Sweetwater Harley Davidson in National City and end at the association offices on Danielson Street in Poway, where a barbecue, raffle and poker tournament will follow. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the ride starts at 10 a.m.

The fee is $30 per bike and includes the scenic ride, lunch, a raffle ticket and one poker hand. Riders can register at the Ride for Ali website, and nonriders can leave a donation.

Other events where the community can help the Perez family include:

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Save a Hero Blood Drive, 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.

La Mesa Police Department

8085 University Ave., La Mesa

Provide the code AP07 or SHRF.
Donors are asked to eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating blood. All donors must show a photo ID.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 23-24

Stacked: Food Well Built

Fashion Valley Mall

7007 Friars Rd., San Diego

Print the attached flyer in the PDF section and 20 percent of the bill will benefit the Perez family.

Thursday, Oct. 25

Friends of Ali Rubio’s Fundraiser, 10 a.m. till close

Rubio’s Restaurant

399 North Magnolia Ave., El Cajon

Print the attached flyer in the PDF section and 20 percent of the bill will benefit the Perez family.