Four hospitalized from random baseball bat attacks near Oceanside Harbor (original) (raw)

Police are investigating after four people were randomly attacked near Oceanside Harbor by baseball bat-wielding assailants wearing bandanas over the weekend, investigators said.

The first incident was reported around 8:50 p.m. Saturday when witnesses told police several people were fighting on Harbor Drive near the fishing pier, said Heather Mitchell, a spokesperson for the department.

Investigators learned two people with face coverings had been instigating fights with random passersby, Mitchell said. The pair beat two victims with baseball bats and tried to steal a phone from a woman who was video-recording the attack, police said.

Before officers arrived, the assailants got into a car and drove away, Mitchell said.

The victims were found by officers at the scene and taken to a hospital.

Shortly after officers learned of the first attack, a similar assault was reported in the same area, Mitchell said. Those victims were also taken to a hospital.

All four victims suffered “significant” injuries, including head lacerations, Mitchell said. One victim also had a facial fracture.

A vehicle allegedly connected to the assailants was found, Mitchell said, and investigators reported having information about suspects but did not share any further information.

Investigators asked anyone with information about the attacks to contact Detective Sgt. Dave Estrada at (760) 435-4698 or email DEstrada@oceansideca.org.