By Voice and Viewpoint Staff Writer
Residents of Knox Glen Townhomes in Southeastern San Diego are on high alert after their manager was assaulted by a group of suspected migrants reportedly dropped off by van at the complex a few days prior.
Sam Armstead, 38, was found suffering head trauma, a broken arm, and a suspected broken back while in a vacant unit at Knox Glen Townhomes Monday morning. Located on Logan Avenue, between 47th Street and Euclid, witnesses say Smith was reportedly checking out the unit for evidence of illegal inhabitation of the property where he was attacked and beaten by two men with a dumbbell. Approximately fifteen police personnel showed up to the scene from the San Diego Police Department and a helicopter unit surrounded the perimeter trying to look for the suspects. Armstead was taken by ambulance shortly after.
Currently, Armstead’s condition is stable and he is being treated for his injuries at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest.
According to eyewitness accounts, on Friday Oct. 20 tenants reported seeing a grayish-white van enter into the gated complex, which was left open at the time, and drop off 15-20 people of Latino descent. The individuals are reported to be a combination of women, children, and men and were seen carrying around backpacks and suitcases.
The vacant unit where Armstread was attacked had signs that the group had managed to get inside and were staying there illegally over the weekend, leaving behind blankets, water bottles, and a backpack. As Armstead walked up the stairs, he was reportedly met by two men, one armed with a dumbbell weight. The attack ensued after Armstead asked what they were doing there and the two men allegedly struck him repeatedly.
Fleeing the scene, witness reports state that the suspects yelled out the name of a gang with ties to Tijuana before the two men, and woman, jumped the fence and fled the scene. As of today’s publication, the suspects have not been caught by SDPD.
According to media reports from NBC, over 13,000 migrants from the border have been dropped off at transit stations throughout the city this month. Voice and Viewpoint however, cannot confirm at this time whether or not this group were migrant travelers or citizens of California.
