San Diego Unified Port District
10/26/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/26/2025 14:05
Port of San Diego Harbor Police Respond to Fight Resulting in Critical Injury; Two Arrests Made
At approximately 12:07 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department responded to reports of a fight in progress at 1800 North Harbor Drive near City Cruises by Hornblower as an excursion was disembarking. Upon arrival, officers located a security guard who was unconscious, not breathing, and didn't have a pulse as a result of the physical altercation.
Harbor Police officers immediately began lifesaving measures, successfully restoring the victim's pulse. The victim was transported by medics to a nearby hospital where he was stabilized and remains hospitalized.
The San Diego Police Department assisted Harbor Police with crowd control and scene security due to the large number of people in the area.
The ensuing investigation led to the identification and arrest of Ernesto Molina, Jr., age 39. A second individual, Claudia Mendiola De Franco, age 48, was also arrested and charged for assault on Molina, Jr., which occurred after the security guard was assaulted. Both suspects are in custody on charges of felony assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant information, images or video that could assist investigators, is urged to contact Harbor Police at 619.686.6272 or submit an anonymous tip through San Diego County Crime Stoppers at sdcrimestoppers.org.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 23 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region's prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO PUBLIC SAFETY
Port of San Diego Public Safety protects and oversees the safety of our dynamic San Diego Bay waterfront-land and sea.
Port Public Safety is responsible for safeguarding waterfront parks and land, maintaining homeland security and collaborating with agency partners to deter crime locally and abroad. Through the Harbor Police Department, the Port provides for the safety of our communities and resources along San Diego Bay and at San Diego International Airport, and is seen as a global leader in maritime and aviation public safety.
San Diego Unified Port District published this content on October 26, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 26, 2025 at 20:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]