Media release - Sweetwater Riverbed enforcement / outreach operation. 
Date / Time Released: September 22, 2014, 1400 hours
Date / Time: September 22, 2014 / 0700 hours
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Multi-agency enforcement/outreach operation
LOCATION: Sweetwater Riverbed adjacent to 3000 Plaza Bonita Road, National City CA
RESUME OF INCIDENT:
On 09-22-14, at 07:00 AM, NCPD coordinated a multi-agency enforcement/outreach operation in the area of the Sweetwater Riverbed adjacent to 3000 Plaza Bonita Road.
Over the past several months, a number of illegal transient encampments have been identified in the area. The illegal encampments are believed to be the source of approximately ten brush fires in the area since January 1, 2014. One of the brush fires resulted in the death of a female – which is still under investigation. In addition, the people residing in the illegal encampments leave behind large amounts of trash and debris.
The area encompasses three jurisdictions, including National City, the County of San Diego, and the City of Chula Vista. In an effort to resolve the issues surrounding the illegal encampments, the National City Police Department coordinated a large enforcement / outreach operation in the area today. Officers, deputies, and agents from 13 agencies converged on the area to enforce crimes in progress, make arrests of subjects with warrants, and to advise people of the law in regard to illegal camping. In addition, members of the San Diego Dream Center Community Outreach organization were on scene to provide outreach assistance and services.
As a result of this operation, 13 people were arrested for either
warrants or drug related charges. Numerous others were contacted, issued warnings, and directed to the availability of outreach services.
Contact Person(s):
Lieutenant Robert Rounds (619) 336-4433
Address/Location
National City Police Department
1200 National City Boulevard
National City, CA 91950
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 619-336-4400