OAKLAND, Calif. — A Berkeley man was arrested Feb. 22 in connection with criminal threats made on social media that were investigated as a hate crime, Oakland police said.
“Investigators received information from a media partner regarding the disturbing remarks towards members of the Asian community,†the department said in a news release. “OPD investigators immediately launched a criminal investigation into this matter†and “confirmed the threatening posts and hateful speech.â€
Police said the department was already aware of the man suspected in the case following an earlier arrest on a firearm charge.
The suspect was taken into custody when he reported for a court appearance on Feb. 22.
“He was interviewed and booked into jail for criminal threats involving hate crimes, a probation violation, and weapons charges. The man is being held without bail,†police said.
Police encouraged those who are a victim or a witness to what they believe is a hate crime to call the OPD Hate Crime tipline at (510) 637-4283 or the non-emergency line, (510) 777-3333.
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