SAN DIEGO — Police have arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with a series of drive-by gel pellet shootings in Hillcrest.
Hernan Garduno Hernandez was charged with six felony counts of battery, classified as hate crimes.
According to the district attorney, Hernandez used force and violence against six victims on Sept. 7.
Earlier this week, police announced they were investigating attacks at three bars on University Avenue.
In court, the prosecutor said Hernandez is responsible for three attacks that started just before 10 p.m. on Sept. 7.
Three people standing outside Hillcrest Burger Lounge were the first ones hit in the arms and legs.
Fifteen minutes later, an Urban Moes employee was grazed on the side of his body.
Shortly after that, a couple walking out of Urban Moes was also hit in their torso area.
"They saw a silver sedan with the windows down driving past them and they heard the sound of laughter coming within the vehicle," said Deputy District Attorney, Mei Owen.
Owen says police used the victims' description of the car involved to track down Hernandez, saying evidence in the vehicle linked him to the attacks.
"Subsequent search of the vehicle found a gel blaster that was found in the back seat along with hundreds of gel pellets," said Owen.
Police investigated a similar series of pellet gun attacks at LGBTQ bars in Hillcrest in May, prompting increased police presence in Hillcrest and surrounding neighborhoods at the time. So far, no arrests have been made in those earlier cases.
As for the hate crime allegations, Hernandez's attorney argued his client did not know hillcrest was an LGBTQ area - a claim Owen disputes.
Hernandez is being held on $30,000 bail.
If convicted, he faces more than six years in prison.
He's due back in court Sept. 23.
"It's traumatizing," said Leane Marchese, Executive Director of San Diego Pride. "It feels as those if you could and will be a target at some point. And you have to be vigilant around that in ways that you wouldn't have to be in other places or communities."
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