Tag Archive for: law enforcement collaboration

In Photo: Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with the Scripps President’s Award.

DA Stephan Receives Scripps President’s Award for Efforts to Help Reduce Hospital Violence

Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder today presented San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan with the Scripps President’s Award for her leadership and partnership in efforts to help reduce crimes involving workplace violence against hospital workers across the region.

The award is the nonprofit health system’s highest honor for distinguished service to patients, physicians and staff at Scripps and to the broader community. DA Stephan has played a pivotal role in the growth of the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force and in prosecuting criminal cases that have come forward since the group began in mid-2023.

“We are deeply grateful to DA Stephan for championing the important work of our regional Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force,” Van Gorder said. “Her leadership is helping us continually improve the way we protect and bring justice for frontline health care workers all across San Diego County.”

A former police officer and a retired reserve assistant sheriff, Van Gorder initiated the San Diego Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force as violent incidents in Scripps’ hospitals grew more common. With strong support from DA Stephan, the group has gradually grown to include leaders from various hospitals and health systems from throughout San Diego County, the DA’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, various regional police departments and others. The DA’s Office has put in place a special unit to handle hospital violence cases.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Scripps President’s Award and to stand alongside President Chris Van Gorder and our hospital partners in sending a clear message that violence against health care workers will not be tolerated,” said DA Stephan. “Our nation and region have seen an alarming rise in violence against doctors, nurses and health workers who have devoted their lives to serving others. In San Diego County, we took action to protect these selfless health professionals through the Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force, and creating a specialized team within the DA’s Office to effectively prosecute crimes committed against health workers.

“Our message is clear – You don’t get to threaten, spit on, beat, or stab the devoted hospital staff without facing justice,” DA Stephan said. “Justice in the over 100 cases we’ve prosecuted often includes addressing the root causes of the violence through court ordered mental health and substance abuse treatment. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our District Attorney’s Office team – especially Deputy District Attorneys Jessica Coto and Jessica Sutterley, and District Attorney Investigator Donte Kendricks, whose leadership and dedication on the Hospital Workforce Violence Task Force have strengthened protections for frontline medical professionals and helped ensure accountability for those who harm them.”

 

Group photo of the Scripps Health President's Award presented to DA Summer Stephan.

Group photo of the Scripps Health President’s Award presented to DA Summer Stephan.

The DA’s Office has prosecuted a combined 125 cases of hospital-related violence across the region since July 2023, when it started tracking such data. This includes 88 felonies countywide and 37 misdemeanors outside of the city of San Diego. (The City Attorney’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor cases within the city of San Diego.) These prosecutions have resulted in just consequences.

Moving forward, the DA’s Office plans to report expanded statistics on how many cases occur in specific medical facilities, as well as the type of criminal charges seen most frequently.

The task force, which meets every other month, has taken several steps to help improve communication and mutual understanding of workplace violence among regional hospitals, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices. For example, the group has established liaisons between hospitals and law enforcement agencies; arranged rounding tours through hospitals by law enforcement; and improved training for both hospital staff and law enforcement officers.

Scripps has worked closely with the DA’s Office to develop an online resource to guide Scripps staff through the prosecution process and has created other educational materials on the health system’s internal employee website. Scripps also has trained its staff to help avoid injuries and de-escalate potentially violent situations; incorporated artificial intelligence into existing video surveillance cameras to identify and respond to suspicious activity; integrated hospital security officers more closely into patient care teams; and deployed metal detectors outside of some facilities.

These internal efforts at Scripps, combined with its ongoing collaboration with the task force, have yielded positive results. After the first year that the task force was in place, Scripps achieved a 31% reduction in workplace violence injuries at its five hospital campuses, compared to the previous year. And from the start of the task force through the end of 2025, Scripps has achieved a 21% reduction in workplace violence injuries.

Scripps also advocated for Assembly Bill 977, a state law implemented in 2025 that increases jail time and financial penalties for people who assault emergency department workers. And Scripps supported Senate Bill 19, which was signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2025 and allows prosecution for threats made against medical facilities, schools, houses of worship and other locations.

Health care workers account for 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence victims and are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than are other workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH 

Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a nonprofit integrated health care delivery system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps treats more than 600,000 patients annually through the dedication of more than 3,500 affiliated physicians and nearly 18,000 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, more than 70 outpatient and specialty locations, and hundreds of affiliated physician offices throughout the region.

 

Recognized as a leader in disease and injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment, Scripps is also at the forefront of clinical research and is the only health system in the region with two level 1 trauma centers. With highly respected graduate medical education programs at all five hospital campuses, Scripps is a longstanding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges. Scripps has been ranked seven times as one of the nation’s best health care systems by Premier. Its hospitals are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the nation’s best, and Scripps is recognized by the Advisory Board, Fortune and Working Mother magazine as one of the best places in the nation to work. More information can be found at www.scripps.org.

 

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

The San Diego County DA’s Office prosecutes all felony crimes in the county and misdemeanor crimes committed outside the City of San Diego. The office files about 40,000 criminal cases a year and balances prosecution with numerous crime prevention programs. District Attorney Summer Stephan leads the office of more than 1,000 dedicated employees who pursue fair and equal justice, and support victims daily across San Diego County. You can learn more at SanDiegoDA.gov.

DA Weekly News with DA Summer Stephan 01-16-26: Grand Jury Indicts 21 in Illegal Street Racing Case

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan discusses a case where a Grand Jury has indicted 21 defendants in a major crackdown on dangerous street racing across San Diego County. Working alongside SDPD and CHP, law enforcement is holding reckless drivers accountable and taking action to reduce traffic deaths, injuries, and illegal high-speed racing on our roads. Details in the video.

Grand Jury Indicts 21 Defendants for Conspiring to Engage in Highly Dangerous Street Racing

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 21 people have been indicted by a grand jury for conspiring to engage in exhibitions of speed as well as acts of illegal reckless driving and speed contests on public highways for thrill, competition, bragging rights and purposes of gaining social media fame. The charges come as law enforcement is coordinating efforts to deter and reduce illegal speed and street racing on roadways across the county.

Twenty of the twenty-one defendants were arrested or surrendered on January 6 and arraignments are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on January 12, 13 and 15.

“Racing down our freeways at extremely hazardous speeds with reckless disregard for other drivers and families sharing the roadways is a recipe for a catastrophe,” DA Stephan said. “This indictment is a warning to anyone even thinking of engaging in a speed contest that this illegal behavior will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable.”

The grand jury heard testimony and reviewed evidence over six days before returning the indictments. The street racing conduct occurred in March of 2025 on five separate occasions in various parts of San Diego County. Defendants communicated through social media to make plans to meet at locations where they showcased their high-performance vehicles, participated in donuts and burnouts, and conspired to engage in acts of speed exhibition on freeways.

Many of the vehicles were modified, sometimes illegally, to enhance their racing performance.  Throughout the incidents, members of the conspiracy participated in multiple races on freeways, reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour and, on some occasions, in excess of 150 to 160 miles per hour. The defendants raced through and around traffic without regard for the safety of other vehicles on the roadway. Racing took place on Interstates 8, 805 and 15 as well as SR-94, and on mountain roads winding through Pauma Valley. All members of the conspiracy participated in racing events, which were filmed by various participants and later posted on social media for the purpose of gaining attention.

Illegal speed contests are highly dangerous and have caused six fatalities and numerous injuries over the last four years, underscoring the growing danger these events pose to the public. Recent fatal crashes include:

  • The death of a 17-year-old in Chula Vista after a suspected racer lost control in July 2025.
  • The death of a Point Loma jogger, who was struck by vehicles believed to be racing in December 2024.
  • A fatal Otay Mesa crash in which a Mustang traveling at extreme speed hit and killed a spectator at an illegal drag race in October 2021.
  • The death of a teenager from a Linda Vista collision that left five others seriously injured in March 2021.
  • The death of a grandmother as a result of a Chula Vista crash where a street-racing driver ran a red light, killing the woman and injuring her grandchildren in June 2021.
  • One person was killed and two severely injured after an Oceanside crash in which the drivers were seen racing moments before impact in September 2021.

“Street racing, reckless driving and illegal takeovers put lives at risk, damage our streets, and disrupt our neighborhoods,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said. “This Grand Jury indictment reflects the hard work of our investigators and shows that when residents raise concerns, the City and County take action. We are grateful for our partnership with the District Attorney’s Office and our partner agencies to hold these drivers accountable, and we will continue our operations to deter these crimes from happening on our streets.”

Photo of vehicles seized.

Photo of vehicles seized.

During its investigation into the May 2025 incidents, law enforcement seized 16 vehicles, including:

  • Two Dodge Charger SRTs
  • One Dodge Charger R/T
  • One Chevrolet Camaro
  • One Ford Mustang
  • Three Dodge Challenger “Hellcats”
  • One Dodge Charger
  • One BMW 8 Series
  • One Chevrolet Corvette
  • One Honda Civic Type R
  • One Dodge Durango SRT
  • Two Jeep Grand Cherokee “Trackhawks”
  • One McLaren.

“Street racing is illegal, reckless, and deadly, and those who choose to participate or assist should expect to be identified, arrested, and criminally prosecuted,” CHP Chief Anthony Coronado said.  “The California Highway Patrol will aggressively investigate these crimes and hold drivers, organizers, and spectators accountable. Reckless use of a vehicle endangers lives and will not be tolerated.”

The arrests were a coordinated effort that included the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County, including the San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Narcotics Task Force, the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, Chula Vista Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Office, Escondido Police Department, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. 

This six-month investigation began with San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the California Highway Patrol in response to the string of fatalities in recent years. Collectively, these tragedies highlight the severe consequences of illegal street racing across the region and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat this reckless and often fatal behavior.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Evan Andersen, Lauren Hugo, Jacob Carbajal, and Makenzie Harvey.

DA Stephan Testifies Before U.S. House Committee on Crime, Updates Congress on National Threat of Organized Retail Crime

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan testified before Congress today for the second time this year, addressing the Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance within the House Judiciary Committee. During her remarks, the DA provided a snapshot of how organized retail crime has evolved in the last few years, including an update on progress being made in San Diego County under Proposition 36.

“Organized retail crime is not a victimless offense,” Stephan told lawmakers. “It harms workers, consumers, small businesses, and entire communities. It undermines public safety and erodes confidence in the rule of law.”

Watch DA Stephan’s testimony here.

DA Stephan urged Congressional action to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) and transnational theft networks that are harming communities and businesses across the nation with commercial and residential thefts and burglaries. DA Stephan was called to testify for her expertise in combatting these types of crimes in San Diego County.

Stephan cited national data estimating that U.S. retailers lost $45 billion to theft in 2024, with losses projected to exceed $53 billion by 2027. She emphasized that organized theft contributes to store closures, job losses, higher consumer prices, and increased violence against retail employees.

In San Diego County alone, the DA’s Office has filed organized retail theft cases against 336 defendants over a three-year period, resulting in more than $3.2 million in documented losses and significant prison and jail sentences for convicted offenders.

Stephan’s testimony highlighted numerous cases involving coordinated “flash mob” thefts, multi-state retail burglary rings, and transnational criminal organizations — including South American Theft Groups (SATGs) — responsible for high-end residential burglaries and large-scale commercial thefts with stolen goods shipped overseas.

Stephan pointed to California’s recent legal reforms, including voter-approved Proposition 36, which strengthened penalties for habitual theft and expanded prosecutors’ ability to aggregate thefts across locations and time periods. These changes have allowed law enforcement to better target organized criminal networks rather than treating theft as isolated incidents.

“Our experience in California shows that strong, clear laws combined with collaboration work,” Stephan said. “Prop 36 has made a real difference to local businesses and prosecuting these habitual offenders is making stores and the community safer. By emphasizing accountability alongside treatment and rehabilitation, data also shows that Prop 36 is working to address the core drivers of habitual criminal behavior. This kind of reform can serve as a model for the nation.”

District Attorney Stephan voiced strong support for the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which would expand federal enforcement tools and create a national Organized Retail Crime Coordination Center. She emphasized that organized theft rings routinely cross city, county, state, and international borders — making federal coordination essential.

She also highlighted the need for improved data-sharing, stronger public-private partnerships, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the resale of stolen goods online and in informal markets.

In addition to retail theft, Stephan addressed fraud-based crimes such as gift card scams and elder fraud, noting that San Diego County alone recorded $149 million in elder scam losses in one year. She stressed that integrated national data systems could expose connections between organized theft and fraud networks operating simultaneously.

“Restoring the rule of law means accountability that fits the crime,” Stephan said. “We must distinguish between minor offenses and sophisticated criminal enterprises that prey on consumers and businesses alike.”

District Attorney Stephan reaffirmed her office’s commitment to working with Congress, law enforcement, retailers, and community partners to combat organized crime.

“We stand ready to assist in strengthening laws and resources to protect our communities, our businesses, and our consumers,” she said. “Together, we can meet this challenge and ensure justice is served.”

Also testifying at today’s hearing were Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & Chief Security Officer, American Eagle Inc.; Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association; and Shane Bennett, Principal of Cyber Defense for Theft, Fraud & Abuse, Target.

DA Weekly News Update with DA Summer Stephan 09-25-25: Prop 36 Discussion with Businesses

In this week’s DA News, District Attorney Summer Stephan talks about the first roundtable with local businesses and law enforcement to discuss Prop. 36 implementation in California and its impact on public safety.