Berkeley, California (Wednesday, June 02, 2021) - On May 23rd at 11:45 am, a person reported that they were struck by a suspect after a dispute outside of Nation’s Giant Hamburgers (1800 University Avenue). During that dispute, the suspect came very close to the victim (within 1’) and yelled comments disparaging of persons of Caucasian descent. When the victim turned away from the suspect, the suspect struck the victim in the back and continued yelling.
The suspect (a 61-year-old Berkeley man) was arrested on suspicion of PC 242—Battery and PC 422.6(a)—willfully threatening a person based on their perceived characteristics. PC 422.6(a) is considered a hate crime.
A hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group (see Information Bulletin on Hate Crime Laws).
The Berkeley Police Department recognizes and places a high priority on the rights of all individuals guaranteed under state and federal law. The commission of a hate crime is a serious offense, which will not be tolerated in the City of Berkeley.
For more information about Hate Crimes and reporting, visit the CA Attorney General’s website resources.
Case 2021-00022740
