Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Public Safety

LGBTQ+ bar Gossip Grill damaged in alleged arson incident; suspect arrested

A group of people stand behind parked cars outside Gossip Grill in Hillcrest, San Diego on Oct. 20, 2023.
A group of people stand behind parked cars outside Gossip Grill in Hillcrest, San Diego on Oct. 20, 2023.

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.

Advertisement
Fire damage to Gossip Grill's outdoor patio is shown on Oct. 20, 2023.
Fire damage to Gossip Grill's outdoor patio is shown on Oct. 20, 2023.

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.

Advertisement

“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.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.