Homeless Woman Flogged with Tree Branch in Stolen Cellphone Dispute in Scripps Ranch

A homeless man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of bludgeoning another transient with a tree branch in a Scripps Ranch canyon, critically injuring her.

The suspect, whose name was not immediately available, was taken into custody shortly before 10 a.m. outside a Vons store near the scene of the assault, according to San Diego police.

About 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, the suspect was scuffling with two other migrant workers he'd accused of stealing his cellphone when the victim intervened. The suspect then allegedly hit the woman and one of the men with a broken-off tree limb, SDPD public-affairs Officer Matt Tortorella said.

The female victim walked to a nearby street and flagged down a passer-by, who made an emergency call. Medics took the woman to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla for treatment of life-threatening head injuries. The other victim did not require medical treatment, Tortorella said.

The suspect was gone by the time officers arrived in response to the 911 call.

—City News Service