SAN DIEGO - Some Ocean Beach residents and businesses owners say they've had enough of the aggressive and violent actions of homeless people in the area.
Woodrow Boethel is recovering from injuries he sustained after he says a group of homeless men assaulted him after they harassed him for money last Friday. He's calling out San Diego's mayor and the area City Councilmember to do more about the crime and homeless problem.
“The city needs to take control of the situation," Boethel told NBC 7. "Todd Gloria, Jen Campbell — This is lawlessness. It’s out of control."
City data shows aggravated assaults are up in the area, with 7.3 incident per 1,000 people so far this year, compared to 6.3 last year.
Last Friday's incident was caught on the security cameras at Hodad's. The manager there, Chris Saltzman, says this type of violence is happening more and more.
“Unfortunately the few times we've called police they’ve not shown up and it's been an issue for us, because I feel like, who are we supposed to call if they don’t show up?" Saltzman said.
San Diego Police say they are working to quickly respond to all violent crime incidents and that they have identified persons of interest in connection with last Friday's beating. An investigation is ongoing.
Surveillance video on November 18, 2022 at Hodad's in Ocean Beach shows a man being beaten by a group of other men. Photo: Hodad's