Security Guard Revived After San Diego Bay Brawl; Two Arrested
SAN DIEGO, California — Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 — A private security guard was left without a pulse after a large fight erupted along the Embarcadero just after midnight Sunday, near the City Cruises dock on North Harbor Drive. Harbor Police officers performed lifesaving measures that restored the guard’s heartbeat before medics rushed him to a hospital, where he remains hospitalized in critical but stabilized condition, authorities said.
Story at a Glance
- Where/When
- Embarcadero waterfront near 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego —
- What
- Large brawl as a harbor cruise disembarked; crowd control issues at the pier
- Victim
- Private security guard found unconscious and pulseless; officers performed lifesaving measures and revived him
- Status
- Guard hospitalized; critical but stabilized
- Arrests
- Ernesto Molina Jr. (39) and Claudia Mendiola De Franco (48) in custody
- Charges
- Suspected felony assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury (investigation ongoing; more arrests possible)
- Injuries
- No bystander injuries reported
- What’s Next
- DA charging review; potential venue/operations changes by waterfront stakeholders; search for additional suspects or video evidence
Credit: Sideo.TV, via NBC 7 San Diego
What Happened
Harbor Police were dispatched at 12:07 a.m. PT to reports of a fight in progress at 1800 N. Harbor Dr., as passengers were disembarking from a bay excursion. Due to the size of the crowd, San Diego Police responded to assist with scene security and crowd control. (Port of San Diego)
Arriving officers found a security guard unconscious, not breathing, and pulseless as a result of the altercation. Officers immediately initiated CPR and other aid, successfully reviving the victim before transport.
Arrests and Charges
Investigators identified and arrested Ernesto Molina Jr., 39. A second person, Claudia Mendiola De Franco, 48, was also arrested in connection with an assault that occurred after the guard was attacked, according to Harbor Police. Both were booked on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury. The investigation is ongoing. (Port of San Diego)
Scene Context
Local outlets report the brawl followed a late-night harbor cruise in the City Cruises/Hornblower area near Grape Street along San Diego Bay—an area that sees heavy weekend foot traffic and large disembarking crowds, conditions that can complicate post-event egress and security.
Authorities have not released the guard’s name. He was initially listed in critical condition after resuscitation and later stabilized at the hospital.
No bystander injuries were reported.
Credit: Sideo.TV, via NBC 7 San Diego
What We’re Watching
Charging decisions: Whether the District Attorney augments or modifies charges after reviewing video/witness statements.
Additional arrests: Police have not ruled out further action as evidence is processed.
Venue coordination: Any operational changes announced by City Cruises or waterfront managers in response to the incident.
For Private Security Teams: Operational Takeaways
Disembarkation surge planning: Staggered release, defined lanes, and choke-point staff positioning can reduce flash-conflict risks where alcohol and crowd density combine.
Dedicated “lifesaving post”: Assign one officer per surge to carry an AED and trauma kit; integrate with local port authority/EMS radio channels for rapid handoff.
Video capture & evidence flow: Pre-plan camera angles covering queue lines and pier gates; designate a single evidence liaison to preserve timestamps for law enforcement.
Mutual aid triggers: Write simple criteria (e.g., “>50 people involved or uncontrolled crowd movement”) for immediate request of agency assistance before escalation.
Post-incident cordon: Build a hold area that protects medics and allows clean ingress/egress while detectives canvass; keep an alternate exit for unaffected patrons.