A San Diego Environmental Services spokesperson says they are close to identifying a man caught on camera dumping a large amount of waste outside the Mira Mesa Senior Center. The illegal dumping incident happened about three weeks ago at the center on Mira Mesa Boulevard. Investigators say securi ty cameras captured the suspect unloading what appeared to be a ton of landscape debris near the building’s front entrance. In the video, a man is seen driving a six-wheeled pickup truck and using a hydraulic lift to unload the debris just steps from the center. Mitz Lee, the center’s executive director, said the discovery was shocking. “We don’t accept that to be normal,” Lee said. Lee said she found the mess about an hour after it was dumped. “We’re a senior center, especially when it is just right there almost dropping it at the doorstep.” Environmental Services spokesperson Franklin Cooper Smith said the suspect appeared to be trying to blend in. “He’s wearing a safety vest similar to what I am wearing, making him look pretty official out there. Maybe that’s the kind of persona he was trying to put on,” Smith said. Officials say illegal dumping is a widespread issue in San Diego, with 40,000 to 50,000 complaints reported each year through the city’s “Get It Done” app. “People are watching and we can’t go after everyone but when we do get the opportunity, we will go after you,” Smith said. Investigators used the security footage along with license plate reader technology along Mira Mesa Boulevard to track the vehicle. By combining the truck’s make, model and the time it left the parking lot, Smith says they were able to identify the driver. Lee said she hopes to see stronger enforcement and easier ways to report violations. “The guy just like dumped it and left it to me. It’s kind of like, I just don’t understand it,” Lee said. Authorities say the entire incident lasted about three minutes. The suspect could face a fine of up to $1,000, with steeper penalties possible for more serious or repeat offenses. “We’re trying to come up with creative ways to catch people but also resolve the issues that are out there,” Smith said. San Diego police and the Environmental Services department is actively working to locate the suspect. Residents can report illegal dumping through the city’s “Get It Done” app, Environmental Services or by contacting the non-emergency police line or Public Works customer service for urgent concerns. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less