SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — El Cajon CHP officers are dealing with an on-and-off problem that started at the beginning of the year. Pieces of concrete have appeared in the westbound lanes of Interstate 8 and appear to be purposely placed there.
Up to 10 cars smashed into multiple parking curbs and retaining walls left scattered on the I-8 in the latest incident and officers think someone intentionally left them there to cause damage.
"People are just coming up on it and they have no chance of reacting and they're striking these objects," said California Highway Patrol Officer Travis Garrow.
The latest incident happened early Saturday morning in the westbound lanes just east of Dunbar Lane. The debris can still be seen on the shoulder of the freeway.
This was the fifth incident of its kind this year.
CHP still has some of the concrete from one of four incidents that happened in the winter and say it was located in the same location.
"We need to get this to stop," said Garrow. "We need the public's help and if they see anything give us a call immediately. We have officers in the area usually 24 hours a day."
Officers estimate the pieces of concrete have caused thousands of dollars of damage to at least 20 cars. Investigators say it's possible there are other victims out there who left the scene without filing a report.
Fortunately, no one has been seriously hurt.
"It can vary from just a flat tire to damaged wheels, alignment being messed up," said Garrow. "We have vehicles that are sustained major front-end damage, front bumpers getting lodged under [the cars], holes in your radiator.
"As motorcycles go through the area - can you imagine when a motorcycle goes over that? That could be a fatality easily."
Investigators spoke with several residents who live nearby. None had retaining walls matching the color of what was found at the scene.
They're hoping someone comes forward with information to catch those responsible or at the very least this stops before someone gets hurt.
"We're looking quite a few felony charges that will be prosecuted if we locate this person and bring them into custody," said Garrow. "It's absolutely serious. It could cost somebody their life."
Officers have determined the concrete pieces are being placed in the lanes between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. They say placing cameras in the area would not likely yield footage good enough to get a suspect description due to it being too dark in the area.
Anyone with information that can help CHP catch the person or persons responsible can contact them at 800-TELL-CHP (800-835-5247).