Major California city deploys fleet of cops to battle lawless late-night crowds in notorious party zone
Locals in the area say they’ve seen the fights outside of Tacos El Gordo so many times.
Frequent fights and arrests in downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quarter have forced the city to send in dozens more cops to police the infamous party mecca.
Under “Operation Last Call,” the San Diego Police Department is deploying 25 additional officers to get a handle on lawless activity in the notorious nightlife area.
“Enough is enough,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said, according to NBC San Diego. “Our focus is to ensure the Gaslamp remains a safe, vibrant place for residents and visitors. We will be adding the staffing and resources necessary to ensure that happens.”
The area in question is centered around Fifth and F streets in front of the Tacos El Gordo restaurant, which had its outdoor seating and signage removed by the city in an attempt to shorten the long lines for the late-night food, Fox 5 reported.
“After twelve, this place has like 200 people here, I understand why the cops are here,” local resident Arnav Popat told the outlet.
The police response comes after a viral video of a recent incident in which five people were arrested after multiple fights broke out in front of the taco joint.
As officers tried to break up one fight, they saw three others start — with police using pepper spray to try to control the crowd.
Officers in the video could be seen using bikes to separate themselves from the crowd.
At one point, one woman appears to slam into officers before falling on to their bicycles as police attempt to separate the combatants. Police also appeared to handcuff the woman.
As they continued fighting, one could be heard repeatedly shouting, “I don’t give a f—k” before appearing to throw a punch.
It’s not the first time several fights broke out at the location, locals have said.
According to the city, assaults on police officers patrolling in the Gaslamp have increased by 172% over the past two years.
“I support Chief Wahl and the San Diego Police Department’s efforts to address illegal and dangerous behavior by those who put others at risk in this important commercial and tourist district,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.
Residents said they hope the presences of more officers will make a difference.
“Kinda scary as a woman, getting off work and going downtown. That’s nice to know that they will be taking precautions and stuff like that, so I can feel a little more safe walking to my car,” restaurant hostess Kianna Maurar told Fox 5.