In a Wednesday morning press release, the San Diego Police Department announced it is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for “maliciously discharging a firearm” at Big Oven Pizza, located at 5025 Shawline Street in San Diego's Kearny Mesa community.
According to SDPD, the first incident occurred on February 15, 2026, between approximately 10:40pm and 11:06pm, when an unidentified suspect in a white pickup truck fired multiple rounds at the glass doors of the restaurant, causing significant damage. Just four days later, on February 19 at approximately 10:17pm, what appears to be the same white pickup truck returned and again fired at the business, this time shattering the glass. No injuries were reported in either incident, as the restaurant was closed at the time of the shootings.
Surveillance footage obtained by ownership and reviewed by investigators shows a white pickup truck traveling along Shawline Street as shots ring out and the restaurant’s front doors explode inward. Interior video captures glass bursting across the dining room, plants shaking from the impact, and bullets piercing windows and interior surfaces.
The repeated attacks have left the popular pizzeria with boarded-up doors, taped-over windows, and tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Media reports estimate repair costs have climbed into the tens of thousands, including replacement glass, damaged fixtures, and interior repairs. Earlier repairs following the first incident were rendered useless after the suspect allegedly returned days later.
Owner Ralph Kreidly previously told SanDiegoVille he was blindsided by the violence and has no known disputes or prior threats that would explain the attacks. “We have no idea who this guy is or why he’s doing it,” he said in an earlier interview. “If there’s an issue, come talk to us. This is cowardly.”
The repeated attacks have left the popular pizzeria with boarded-up doors, taped-over windows, and tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Media reports estimate repair costs have climbed into the tens of thousands, including replacement glass, damaged fixtures, and interior repairs. Earlier repairs following the first incident were rendered useless after the suspect allegedly returned days later.
Owner Ralph Kreidly previously told SanDiegoVille he was blindsided by the violence and has no known disputes or prior threats that would explain the attacks. “We have no idea who this guy is or why he’s doing it,” he said in an earlier interview. “If there’s an issue, come talk to us. This is cowardly.”
Big Oven Pizza opened its brick-and-mortar location in May 2024 after building a strong following through its mobile pizza truck. The restaurant has been recognized among San Diego’s top five pizzerias for three consecutive years and was previously named “Best Food Truck” in local competitions. Known for its naturally fermented dough and New York, Detroit, and Neapolitan-style pies, the shop quickly became a staple of the Shawline corridor.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear. Police have not indicated whether the restaurant was specifically targeted or whether the incidents are connected to any broader criminal activity in the area. Detectives are investigating the possibility that the same vehicle was involved in both attacks.
The case is being handled by Eastern Division Investigations. SDPD is urging anyone who recognizes the white pickup truck or has information about the shootings to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Brian French at bfrench@pd.sandiego.gov or submit an anonymous tip through San Diego Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
In the meantime, Big Oven Pizza remains open, though ownership has adjusted closing hours and installed additional security measures to protect employees. What was once a feel-good neighborhood success story has, at least temporarily, become the scene of a brazen and deeply unsettling act of violence.
For now, the most pressing question remains unanswered: why would anyone target a pizza shop twice in the dark of night?
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear. Police have not indicated whether the restaurant was specifically targeted or whether the incidents are connected to any broader criminal activity in the area. Detectives are investigating the possibility that the same vehicle was involved in both attacks.
The case is being handled by Eastern Division Investigations. SDPD is urging anyone who recognizes the white pickup truck or has information about the shootings to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Brian French at bfrench@pd.sandiego.gov or submit an anonymous tip through San Diego Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for a reward.
In the meantime, Big Oven Pizza remains open, though ownership has adjusted closing hours and installed additional security measures to protect employees. What was once a feel-good neighborhood success story has, at least temporarily, become the scene of a brazen and deeply unsettling act of violence.
For now, the most pressing question remains unanswered: why would anyone target a pizza shop twice in the dark of night?
Originally published on February 26, 2026.
