Shootings May Indicate Gang War Over Drug Sales, Police Say

The recent rash of drive-by shootings in Southeast San Diego and neighboring National City may be the result of a war between rival gangs for the cocaine trade in the area, police in both cities said Friday.

Lt. Bill Howell of the San Diego Police Department’s street gang detail said police believe Los Angeles gangs have been trying to expand their “rock” cocaine network into San Diego and are battling local gangs for control of the city’s narcotics trade.

For example, police said, two men shot from a passing car Thursday night were standing in front of a “rock” house at 44th Street and University Avenue. They say the shooting may have been in retaliation for the Tuesday night killing of Marvin Standard, 26.

Police described Standard, of San Diego, as a known gang member.

“The information we’re receiving from the streets indicates that it’s going to continue,” National City Police Lt. Tom Deese said. “We’re fearful that something is going to break out.”

Members of the San Diego police gang unit said they believe the shootings represent a renewal of last summer’s violence in Southeast San Diego. But they said the recent wave of gunfire does not match the intensity of last summer’s gang warfare.

“It’s not out of control,” said Howell. “The only thing that is disturbing is that they’re using 9-millimeter rather than the Saturday night specials”--that is, more expensive and more deadly handguns.

The victims of the Thursday night shooting--Walter Lewis, 24, and Craig Campbell, 23--were reported in good condition Friday at Mercy Hospital. Campbell was shot once in the buttocks and once in the leg; Lewis was shot once in the chest and once in each leg.

The shootings are under investigation and police say arrests are expected.

Howell said a shooting Monday night on Peter Pan Avenue in East San Diego that left a man wounded also may be related to gang activity.

In addition, San Diego police reported eight shootings and stabbings during an eight-hour period Thursday night and Friday morning. They said some, but not all, appear to have involved gangs.