By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–The Oceanside Police Department has issued a public safety alert following a series of violent attacks targeting unhoused individuals in Oceanside, authorities said.
Oceanside Police are urging residents and vulnerable communities to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
On September 18, Oceanside police officers responded to a stabbing near Coast Highway and the San Luis Rey Riverbed at 4:17 a.m. The victim, who sustained multiple stab wounds, was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
On October 5, officers were called to a scene near the railroad tracks at Oceanside Boulevard and Coast Highway at 4:44 p.m. When officers arrived at the location, they discovered the body of a man who had suffered fatal blunt-force trauma.
The following day at 11:29 a.m., an officer was flagged down regarding another deceased individual in the San Luis Rey Riverbed area, west of the Interstate 5 Freeway. Police located a male victim in the brush who had also sustained blunt force trauma.
According to Oceanside Police, there is no information on potential suspects, and investigators are unsure if these attacks are connected. The department’s Crimes of Violence Unit is leading the investigation, and the identities of the victims have not been released.
In response to these incidents, Oceanside Police has increased patrols in areas frequented by unhoused individuals. The Homeless Outreach Team is working to inform the unhoused community about the recent dangers and provide resources for safety.
The department advises those experiencing homelessness to follow these safety precautions:
Travel in groups: There’s strength in numbers; staying together increases safety.
Avoid being alone while sleeping: Rest near others to reduce vulnerability.
Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Report anything suspicious to the police immediately.
Know your resources: Get familiar with local shelters and available support services.
The Oceanside Police Department seeks the public’s assistance in solving these cases.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the time of these attacks is urged to contact Detective Sergeant David Estrada at (760) 435-4698 or via email at DEstrada@oceansideca.org.