On Saturday, March 1, San Diego police responded to the scene near the Shell Gas Station and car wash at 330 West Washington Street around 5pm following reports of a man with severe injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased at a nearby hospital, with authorities confirming the incident stemmed from a physical altercation with a suspect prior to the fatal outcome. The incident began to unfold earlier in the afternoon when a 911 call was received at 4:53pm reporting two men fighting on the street, alerting police to the escalating situation.
New details have emerged regarding the tragic event, with San Diego police confirming the arrest of 55-year-old Solomon Guerrero following the fatal assault. Witnesses reported seeing Guerrero strangling the victim and repeatedly striking his head against the ground in front of the gas station, prompting the initial 911 call. Officers arrived to find the victim, identified as a 61-year-old white male whose name is withheld pending family notification, unconscious and in need of immediate aid. Despite efforts by officers and medics to save him, the man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Guerrero, matching the witnesses’ description, was apprehended without incident near the intersection of West Washington Street and Albatross Street and has been booked into San Diego County Jail on murder charges.
Hillcrest, a vibrant neighborhood known for its diverse community and bustling commercial areas, was shaken by the event, which drew significant attention. The San Diego Police Department has not released the identities of the victim or suspect, nor has it provided additional information about the nature of the dispute or the suspect's current status, citing the ongoing investigation.
Residents and local businesses are urged to report any relevant information to the San Diego Police Department's non-emergency line at 619.531.2000 or Crime Stoppers at 619.235.8477. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Originally published on March 1, 2025.
