California authorities charged a man with a hate crime after allegedly throwing rocks at a 6-year-old boy and his Asian mother while the two were driving down the street in Fullerton in their car last month.
Anti-Asian Crime
In a news release, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said the suspect, 28-year-old Roger Janke from Fullerton, said the Koreans in the area were trying to control him.
Authorities believe Janke threw two rocks at the victim’s car, a Tesla, on March 31 when they were driving near Hughes Drive and Bastanchury Road. The attack left damages on the vehicle’s bumper and cracked the windshield. The 38-year-old victim then parked and called 911.
Police are giving Janke felony charges of violation of civil rights, vandalism, felony hate crime enhancement, and a misdemeanor count of throwing a substance at a vehicle. Authorities could jail the suspect for up to six years.
Authorities are holding Janke on a $51,500 bail. He has pleaded not guilty. However, it was not immediately known if the suspect had an attorney who could represent him in court, ABC7 reported.
“A woman and her child should be able to drive down the street without worrying about being attacked because of the color of their skin. Our commitment to continuing to prosecute hate crimes to the fullest extent of the law is sending a strong message to all the haters out there – there is no room for hate here – or anywhere,” District Attorney Todd Spitzer said.
