Civil rights lawsuit against San Diego police moves forward following Gaslamp Quarter arrest

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A civil rights lawsuit against the city of San Diego is moving forward after a judge rejected the city’s request to dismiss the case involving an encounter between San Diego police officers and two people in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The lawsuit stems from a July 2025 incident near Fifth Avenue and G Street, where George Medina alleges officers used excessive force while taking him into custody.

Video from the encounter shows officers taking Medina to the ground during a chaotic scene in the popular downtown entertainment district.

According to the lawsuit, Medina claims officers punched, kicked and pepper-sprayed him despite his assertions that he was not resisting arrest.

The lawsuit also raises allegations involving Araceli Urbina Viveros, who was recording the encounter.

A witness who was present that night spoke with FOX 5/KUSI about the incident.

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs argue the case extends beyond the actions of individual officers, raising broader concerns about police training, supervision and accountability within the San Diego Police Department.

A judge has rejected the city’s request to dismiss the case, allowing the litigation to continue.

“This decision is an important first step toward holding SDPD, Chief Wahl, and the City of San Diego accountable,” The Pride Law Firm said in a statement.

The ruling allows the plaintiffs to continue pursuing their claims but does not establish that the officers or the city violated anyone’s civil rights.

The allegations come amid ongoing concerns about public safety and police enforcement in the Gaslamp Quarter.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl and the department have recently addressed challenges in August, involving violence, intoxication and disorderly conduct in the downtown entertainment district.

Police have emphasized efforts to maintain public safety as officers respond to incidents involving large crowds, particularly during busy weekend nights.

SDPD has initiated operation last call in august and says since then 160 arrests have been made and about four firearms were taken off the streets.

However, the lawsuit raises questions about whether officers used appropriate force during the July 2025 encounter.

FOX 5/KUSI reached out to the San Diego Police Department for comment on the lawsuit. The department declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

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