One year ago almost exactly, reportedly a “gang” from OB attacked several homeless men, causing serious injuries, and then also attacked some local residents. This happened on the 4900 block of Newport Avenue around 2 a.m. on July 14, 2013.
One year later, no one has ever been charged with these crimes or brought to justice. It had been alleged that an OB gang, the “OB Rats” were responsible. (If you have more information on this, let us know.) Here is what the OB Rag reported on July 17, 2013:
The OB Rag has heard from two independent sources that an Ocean Beach gang attacked several homeless men Sunday night, July 14th, causing at least one serious injury, and then also attacked some locals. This occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on OB’s main street, Newport Avenue.
A group calling itself “OB Rats” assaulted and beat a couple of homeless guys, with one of the victims having his nose seriously injured from a kick in the face. He reportedly had his backpack stolen by the gang of young males that contained food for his dog. This attack occurred in the 4900 block of Newport Avenue.
The attackers then tipped over a trash container on the sidewalk along Newport Avenue. A local – a young man – who was sitting near the OB International Hostel, yelled at them to stop and have respect for OB.
The group then crossed the street and began assaulting him and at least one other male in front of the hostel. One of the attackers was thrown on the ground, and his buddies picked him up and left.
Police were called and responded roughly 20 minutes later and took reports from t he victims.
The attackers appeared to be men in their late teens and early twenties. Some of their victims told us that they know where the group lives and hangs out – a location on Newport.
The OB Rats have been around for awhile and make appearances now and then. A few years ago, they were purportedly handing out leaflets dissing homeless people.
But the community cannot condone or accept this type of behavior from anyone calling themselves “locs”. This type of late night attack against homeless people last Sunday is not the first story of this kind that we have heard. This one has been corroborated.
This has to stop. If you know anyone involved in these type of actions, please do something about it. Respect OB.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It was my good friend OB Jamie who stepped in and was able to continue the attack from further progressing…..I think we should all consider, WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU CAME ACROSS A HOMELESS PERSON BEING ATTACKED? Would you stop to assist, or call the police, or just walk home and forget it ever happened? I would hope most OBcians would stop to help de-escalate, and call 9-1-1 while you are “talking down” the attacker. Most of the time, they will take off and end the assault with just you turning on your phone. And please people, hit record after you get off the call with 9-1-1. We need to see faces so we can ID and get these people who threaten our peaceful way of life, behind bars where they belong.
That was not me…the incidents I have been involved with are not really noteworthy.
I have seen homeless people in OB rush to aid battered locals/tourists/etc. When no one else did.
OB JAMIE.
Did they ever find the guy that slashed and killed that poor dude just standing in the alley by the AZ?