The Glendale Police Department announced this week that charges have been filed in the arrest of a 36-year-old man. The Glendale resident was arrested after yelling racial slurs and assaulting a street vendor.
The man has been charged by the district attorney with a hate crime as well as battery and assault charges on the victims. All charges are misdemeanors.
The charges are from an incident on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at approximately 11:45 pm. Police officers were dispatched to a disturbance in the area of Sonora Avenue and San Fernando Road.
According to the victims, the man unleashed a barrage of racial slurs and profanity toward them. The victims are of Hispanic heritage. The suspect then found pieces of concrete in the area and began throwing them at the victims. One of the victims was struck but only reported minor injuries.
Some of the concrete pieces were as big as softballs. Parts of the victims’ vending equipment were damaged.
Throughout the altercation, the suspect continued to spew racial slurs, perpetuating an atmosphere of hate and violence, according to police.
The officers were able to locate the suspect in the area and make the arrest. GPD assaults detectives worked with the L.A. County District Attorney’s office to get the charges filed.
GPD said in a statement, “The Glendale Police Department reaffirms its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members. Acts of hate and violence have no place in our city or our society, and we remain steadfast in our efforts to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect for all.”
First published in the December 16 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
