The Gossip Grill in Hillcrest, San Diego’s only LGBTQ+ women’s bar, was destroyed by flames early Friday morning, according to San Diego police.
San Diego police arrested a suspect Friday and the Metro Arson Task Force is investigating the fire as arson, police said.
At 12:30 a.m., San Diego Police received a report of a fire in the backyard of a bar located at 1220 University Avenue, according to SDPD.
Firefighters with the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department arrived to find the awning behind the bar on fire and knocked it down by 12:39 a.m., police said.
SDPD Lt. Adam T. Shirke said in a statement that around 1:45 p.m., the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Ryan Hubrel, was found near the scene and taken into custody.
“Havrel was arrested and booked into jail on charges of arson of a commercial property and use of an accelerant,” Sharki said. “The investigation is ongoing, but there is no indication at this time that this is related to a hate crime.”
Gossip Grill’s Facebook and Instagram pages posted footage Friday morning showing flames burning in several locations on the ground, near an outdoor seating area and electrical equipment.
The bar’s outdoor seating area, overhead awning and outdoor decorations were damaged in the fire, according to the video.
Damage was limited to the awning area. According to police, there was no damage to the store and no one was injured. Police said the estimated damage was about $10,000.
The bar had cameras installed and the footage was used to assist SDPD in their investigation, the bar wrote on social media.
Despite the damage, the bar wrote on social media that it would remain open for normal business hours on Friday.
Hillcrest’s Gossip Grill is one of only 21 women’s bars left in the United States
NBC 7 spoke with Moe Garton, owner of Gossip Grill. She heard that the store was on fire and rushed to the scene.
Garton said both patios were on fire and SDFD thought it was electrical, which was odd because both patios were disconnected and the power was off.
Garton said two employees were in the building preparing to leave at the time of the fire, and business was suspended.
She added that she feels lucky.
“We’re very fortunate that everything is fireproof. The fire department came very quickly. Riches security came to help. Everyone just jumped in somehow,” Garton said. .
