Breaking and Entering Party in Clairemont

Late Thursday night, July 12, a group of high school students and/or college-age people entered a vacant rental home at 4781 Mt. Cervin Drive in Clairemont.

They reportedly moved the “For Rent” sign, broke a front window, and entered the home. Soon thereafter, another 50 to 60 people arrived at the house. They parked cars on adjacent streets, “all over the neighborhood,” according to Greg, a Mt. St. Helens Way resident who was working in his studio at about 11:30 p.m. He said he was surprised by the sudden influx of traffic into his normally quiet cul-de-sac.

Greg said he asked some of the young people what was happening and they told him it was a party. Greg noticed a male urinating on a home’s garage and front doors. Greg asked the young man if he was “pissing on the house,” to which he replied, “My grandmother lives here,” and he walked away.

With an increasing volume of racket, Greg wondered why someone nearer to the house had not been disturbed enough to call the police — Greg’s house is about ten houses away from the rental property. At 12:30 a.m., he said he had had enough and called San Diego police, who arrived about 30 minutes later. By that time, a fight had broken out and all of the attendees had dispersed, screaming, peeling out, and tossing bottles onto residential properties.

When police arrived, only one vehicle remained. Greg said it was possible the occupants of the lone vehicle might have been held for under-age drinking or subjected to a field sobriety test.

Damage to the rental home was estimated to be in excess of $5000, including at least one destroyed bathroom. Both side fences of the home were torn down and the backyard was left full of trash. When Greg walked to the home to meet police, he said all the lights and air conditioner were on and inside he could see more bottles, cans, and trash.

Police told Greg this type of crime has become a “common occurrence.” Recently one house party included about 300 attendees. It is reportedly difficult to arrest anyone for trespassing or other crimes with a claim of only being invited.