A dispute over noise from a loud party escalated into a violent attack in Chula Vista’s Casalago Eastlake neighborhood, leaving two men injured, one of them stabbed, and six people arrested.
The attack, which was captured on multiple security cameras, happened after a neighbor asked people at a nearby townhome to keep the noise down, according to neighbors. Chula Vista police confirmed the group was having a loud party.
Security footage appears to show a group of six men and three women beating and kicking a man who lived next to the townhome where the group had gathered. Neighbors watching from a second-floor residence screamed for the attackers to stop.
Josh Davila, who witnessed the assault, said he stepped in to help the injured man when he realized how badly he had been hurt.
“he had blood everywhere so I knew he was f—-d up but no one was helping him,” Davila said.
Davila attempted to restrain one of the alleged attackers with a chokehold but was also beaten and kicked during the confrontation.
“I got kicked in the head a bunch of times, my jaw, and I am bloody everywhere,” Davila said.
Davila eventually managed to escape as police arrived.
Neighbors said the first victim suffered broken hands, a concussion, a bloody and bruised face, and a large cut caused by a broken bottle. Security footage showed a woman holding a bottle above her head, and broken glass was later seen scattered on the ground.
Chula Vista police said the man was being treated at a local hospital. Davila’s injuries were documented, but he declined medical treatment.
Neighbors say trouble had been building for months
Paul Martin, a neighbor and contractor for NBC 7 who recorded the confrontation, said residents had experienced problems with the group since they moved into the complex last July.
Martin said the ongoing disturbances prompted neighbors to install security cameras and file numerous complaints with the complex’s security personnel.
He also said neighbors were threatened during the confrontation.
“They started yelling at us, threatening, telling us they are going to beat us that we’re next,” Martin said.
Martin said residents had previously warned that the ongoing conflicts could eventually turn deadly.
“We told them one of these days someone is going to get killed out here then this happens,” he said.
The suspects live across the street from neighbors who now fear they could become targets of further violence.
Six arrested, one faces attempted murder charge
Police arrested six people in connection with the attacks on both men.
One suspect was charged with attempted murder, while the others were charged with assault with a deadly weapon and criminal conspiracy.
Security footage captured officers leading the suspects away as neighbors cheered.
Chula Vista councilman calls for action
Chula Vista 3rd District Councilman Michael Inzunza organized a community meeting Thursday night with police and sheriff’s deputies to address neighborhood safety concerns.
“This type of violence is unacceptable in Chula Vista,” he said.
Inzunza said landlord-tenant regulations remaining from the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to remove tenants who repeatedly cause disturbances.
“Who I am targeting are irresponsible squatters who are living in a home for six months to a year, throwing parties, and getting in fights with neighbors. That is unacceptable,” he said.
The arrests brought some relief to residents, but neighbors remain concerned about safety in the Casalago Eastlake community following the violent confrontation.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.