OCEANSIDE, Calif — Oceanside Police are looking into recent attacks that appear to be targeting unhoused people across the city.
Oceanside Police Chief Kedrick Sadler says they have never had a string of violent attacks on those struggling with homelessness in Oceanside before.
"We're boosting patrols and having more officers in the street,” Sadler started. “We are asking the community to join us in helping to find who these people are."
Chief Sadler says, Oceanside PD is doing everything it can to help find and stop whoever is responsible. According to the chief, one of OPD’s priorities right now is making sure they are protecting and serving Oceanside's vulnerable unhoused population.
"Two homicides and an attempted murder that happened within the last couple of weeks in a vicinity that is a mile and a half of each other which has brought us concern. There is no information right now that indicates that these were hate crime related but all options are on the table."
The first attack was a stabbing near North Pacific and South Harbor on September 18. That's where police found a man who had been stabbed several times. The man survived.
On Saturday, October 5, Oceanside police discovered an unhoused man's dead body near railroad tracks along Oceanside Blvd and N. Coast Highway. Police say the man’s body was found with blunt force trauma.
On Sunday, October 6, another unhoused man's body was found near I-5 and SR-76.
The City of Oceanside has been fighting homelessness in its community with several resources available to those who need them. Chief Sadler says he hopes those experiencing homelessness reach out for help.
"We need to get that information out there to them to offer resources if they need that and we will do whatever we can to try and end their cycle of homelessness."
The City of Oceanside has its motel voucher program, an apartment complex for people experiencing homelessness, and The Oceanside Navigation Center that serves as a shelter.
There are also homeless outreach teams, social workers, bridge housing, and family reunification programs - all available to people who need help ending the cycle of homelessness in Oceanside.
In addition to those resources, Chief Sadler says they will be on hand where unsheltered people are just to make sure they are safe with extra patrols.
Oceanside police offer tips to those experiencing homelessness to help them stay safe.
Those tips are as follows:
Stay Together, always travel in groups or pairs.
Avoid Sleeping Alone.
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right, call the police.
Know your resources. Familiarize yourself with local shelters and resources.
If there is anyone who has additional information about these investigations, please contact Detective Sergeant David Estrada at (760) 435-4698 or email DEstrada@oceansideca.org.