Eugene Mendiola, 31, was arraigned on March 26, 2025, in downtown San Diego, facing charges related to break-ins in Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, and Rancho Bernardo. He also appeared in Vista court the following day for additional North County charges, pleading not guilty to 20 felony counts, including nine counts of burglary and nine counts of vandalism.
The string of burglaries, which began in February 2025, impacted restaurants in areas such as Chula Vista, El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and various San Diego neighborhoods. San Diego Police Department’s Northeastern Division charged Mendiola with seven specific commercial burglaries in the city, resulting in losses of $7,620 and damages totaling $13,150. Surveillance footage consistently showed the suspect, often masked and wearing a hoodie, using a metal object - believed to be a crowbar - to smash glass doors, pry open registers, and steal cash before quickly moving to the next target.
Among the earliest reported incidents were three break-ins on March 15 at a shopping center off Scripps Ranch Boulevard. Fay’s Diner, Isabella’s Mexican Restaurant (also referred to as Isabella’s Mexican Food), and Pizza on the Ranch were hit shortly after 4:30am. At Fay’s Diner, the burglar stole all the cash, change, and two customer credit cards in an incident lasting just over two minutes, with owner Josh Anderson reporting losses of $500 to $600. Anderson, who opened the diner two years ago and named it after his mother, was left grappling with the aftermath. At Pizza on the Ranch, a family-run eatery that had been open for only three months, the suspect fled with the entire cash register after shattering the glass door. Isabella’s Mexican Restaurant also suffered losses, though specific details were not disclosed.
The spree continued with additional break-ins on March 16 at Pho Hoang Express, Fine Indian Cuisine, and Pailin Thai Café in Bernardo Village, followed by Best Pizza and Brew in Mira Mesa on March 18. These seven incidents were part of a broader pattern, with Mendiola suspected in 12 additional cases countywide. The impact on small businesses was profound. Anderson described the extensive damage at Fay’s Diner, which left him unable to operate, affecting his 15 employees and the 300 to 400 customers who visit each weekend. The emotional and financial toll on owners like Anderson and the family behind Pizza on the Ranch underscored the broader ripple effects on the local restaurant scene.
Mendiola's arrest on March 21 came after an automated license plate reader identified a vehicle linked to the burglaries, marking a breakthrough for the San Diego Police Department. While Mendiola’s arrest brings some closure, the affected restaurants now face the challenge of rebuilding - both their physical spaces and their sense of security. The Scripps Ranch community, in particular, has rallied around these businesses, with owners urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to prevent future incidents.
Authorities are still investigating and encourage anyone with information to contact the Northeastern Substation at 858.538.8012 or Crime Stoppers at 888.580.8477.
Originally published on March 27, 2025.