Early Friday morning, Hillcrest LGBTQ+ bar Gossip Grill suffered minor damage from two fires. No injuries were reported.
Originally the fire was believed to be caused by electrical issues, but Gossip Grill co-owner Moe Girton said an arson investigation team determined that the blaze was started by an individual.
“There was no structural damage to the actual building. It was all contained to the two front patios. Thanks to our amazing fire department and how quickly they got here,” Girton said.
Security camera footage shows an individual walking up to the patio at about 12:30 a.m. Friday, using an accelerant and lighting the fire, Girton said.
“We have it all on video. We have one patio of him using an accelerant and then lighting it on fire. And another camera has him walking away giggling and smiling,” Girton said.
Girton said she believed that the fire was not a hate crime, but rather an action from an individual living on the streets and experiencing a mental health crisis.
San Diego Police Department said a suspect was taken into custody around 1:45 p.m. Police identified him as 38-year-old Ryan Habrel. He was booked into jail for arson to a commercial structure and the use of an accelerant. Police also said the investigation is ongoing, and "there is no indication at this time that this is hate-crime-related."
According to The Lesbian Bar Project, a campaign to raise awareness of the history of lesbian bars, Gossip Grill is the last bar of its kind in San Diego, and one of very few remaining in the country.
“We're just grateful for the fire department getting here quickly and nobody was hurt,” Girton said. "And the damage is, it’s manageable, you know. Everything will be done in the next couple weeks.”
Gossip Grill reopened on Friday at 2 p.m.
