The latest incident surfaced this week in the Coronado Happenings Facebook group, where one resident reported that while walking near the Ferry Landing, a man in a Grinch suit “threw a handful of sand” at him before laughing “like a movie villain.” The post quickly drew responses from othersdescribing similar encounters spanning Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Several commenters, anonymously quoted for privacy, described run-ins dating back to summer, including one individual who said the man “threw a can at my head and multiple food items” during a prior incident in IB. Another wrote that in Coronado, the same man “charged my golf cart before my dog popped up and he stopped.” Others recalled seeing him sleeping in public areas, talking to himself, or spending long stretches of time lingering on major corners.
“He seems to be talking to himself… The police know about him but need people to file a complaint if they are threatened or hurt,” one commenter said, adding that some neighbors have intervened to keep an eye on passersby who seemed uncomfortable approaching him.
Not all accounts describe aggressive behavior. Some Coronadans said they recently saw him dancing in the median of Orange Avenue, handing out balloons downtown, or singing near the shores. One resident said he appeared “very happy” and non-threatening during their encounter, while another expressed sadness over residents finding entertainment in someone who may be struggling.
Still, concern is growing as reports accumulate. Multiple commenters said they have contacted police, though several expressed frustration that unless a formal complaint is filed, officers are limited in what they can do.
The sightings follow a steady stream of posts identifying the same individual in Imperial Beach over the last month, where community members similarly described odd or escalating behavior. It remains unclear whether the man is unhoused, experiencing a mental health crisis, or simply engaging in performance-like eccentricity.
For now, residents are urging one another to use caution. Coronado Police have previously acknowledged awareness of the individual in group discussions but have not issued a public statement regarding the recent incidents, although a media representative for the department confirmed they have received a "couple of calls regarding this gentleman".
"Our officers have responded, and he has not been committing any crimes and he's able to care for himself as much as we can see," the CPD official said in a message to SanDiegoVille. "He doesn't really let us talk to him, so there's not much we can do."
Anyone who feels unsafe or experiences threatening behavior is encouraged to contact Coronado Police directly so that reports can be formally documented.
Originally published on November 23, 2025.
