Teen Arrested On Suspicion Of Hate Crime In Riverside County

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A high school student was arrested in Moreno Valley this week on suspicion of hate crimes against a fellow classmate, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported Friday.

The investigation began late Wednesday night when Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies received a call for service about "harassing phone calls," the agency said.

Deputies learned a suspect and victim attended the same high school, and a series of messages sent to the victim by the suspect rose to the level of "a hate crime," according to the sheriff's department.

"The messages the victim received were a credible threat," the department reported.

As a result, a search warrant was served at a residence in the 15000 block of Ninya Avenue in Moreno Valley.

A handgun and fireworks were found at the home. A 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody and booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of hate crimes, making criminal threats, and harassing phone calls.

Information about suspect was not released due to the teen's age.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Investigator Allen at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station: 951-486-6700.