Early Friday morning, Gossip Grill, an LGBTQ+ bar in Hillcrest, sustained minor damage from two fires. No injuries were reported.
The fire was initially thought to have been caused by an electrical problem, but Gossip Grill co-owner Mo Garton said arson investigators had determined the fire was caused by an individual. .
“There was no structural damage to the actual building. It was all contained to the two front patios. Thank you to the great fire department and how quickly they arrived,” Garton said. said.
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KPBS
Garton said security cameras recorded a person going into the courtyard and using an accelerant to start a fire around 12:30 a.m. Friday.
“We have everything on video. There’s one on my patio where he’s using an accelerant to light the fire. And another camera shows him giggling and walking away. ” Garton said.
Garton said he believes the fire was not a hate crime, but rather the act of an individual living on the streets and experiencing a mental health crisis.
The suspect was taken into custody around 1:45 p.m., and police identified him as 38-year-old Ryan Hubrell, according to the San Diego Police Department. He was jailed on charges of arson of a commercial property and use of an accelerant. Police also said the investigation is ongoing and there is “no indication at this time that this is related to a hate crime.”
Gossip Grill is the last bar of its kind in San Diego and one of the few remaining in the country, according to the Lesbian Bar Project, a campaign to raise awareness about the history of lesbian bars.
“I’m just thankful the fire department got there right away and no one was hurt,” Garton said. “And the damage is manageable. Everything will be completed within the next few weeks.”
Gossip Grill reopens Fridays at 2 p.m.
