Redlands police investigate reported hate crime

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands police are investigating a reported hate crime and assault with a deadly weapon after a man was targeted by a driver who allegedly yelled racial slurs and attempted to strike him with a vehicle early Sunday morning.

The incident was reported shortly before 12:30 a.m. Feb. 1 in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven at 1161 W. Lugonia Ave., according to the Redlands Police Department. Police said the victim was approached by a man driving a black Volkswagen SUV, who called out racial epithets before attempting to hit him with the vehicle.

The victim moved out of the way, but the SUV struck his electric bike. Police said the suspect made a U-turn and attempted to hit the victim a second time while continuing to yell racial slurs. The victim took cover behind the store’s fuel pumps, and the suspect fled. The investigation is ongoing.

Sidewalk robbery investigations

Police are also investigating two robberies reported early Saturday morning, Jan. 31, outside 19 E. Citrus Ave. In both incidents, victims were standing on the sidewalk when suspects approached, assaulted them and stole expensive necklaces, police said.

One victim was punched in the face and treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Another victim reported that one of the suspects displayed a handgun tucked into his waistband.

Business burglary investigations

Police reported multiple burglary and theft investigations during the period, including an attempted break-in at Cheesewalla, 5 E. Citrus Ave., early Jan. 27. No entry was made, but about $600 in damage was reported. Evidence and surveillance video were recovered.

Officers are also investigating a break-in at the AutoZone distribution warehouse at 2185 W. Lugonia Ave. after a live video alarm early Jan. 26 showed two people fleeing the building.

Police are investigating the theft of about $2,500 worth of equipment from Golf Galaxy, 9930 Alabama St., on the evening of Jan. 22. The suspect fled on foot.

DUI and traffic arrests

Several arrests for driving under the influence were reported during the two-week period.

Late Thursday night, Jan. 29, officers found a driver slumped over the steering wheel at Fifth Street and Citrus Avenue. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded.

On Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27, officers responded to a report of a person down at Texas Street and San Bernardino Avenue and found a driver asleep in a vehicle. A witness reported seeing the driver operating the vehicle erratically earlier. Police determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him.

Police also arrested an intoxicated driver shortly after midnight Jan. 26 in the 1100 block of West Fern Avenue after responding to reports of a man hanging out of the driver’s side window and not moving. The vehicle was towed.

Another DUI arrest followed a single-vehicle collision late Sunday night, Jan. 25. Officers saw the driver running from the scene and detained her. Minutes later, the vehicle caught fire, and an officer used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. Police said the driver was intoxicated and was later arrested after being transported to a hospital for evaluation.

Other notable incidents included a reckless driving arrest following a short pursuit late Jan. 26 after two vehicles were seen performing donuts at West Park Avenue and Alabama Street. One driver was arrested by Redlands police, while the second driver was later taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol after a traffic collision in Montclair.

Police also responded to several calls involving individuals in distress or exhibiting erratic behavior, including incidents where individuals were transported to hospitals for psychological evaluation.

On Jan. 22, police investigated a reported threat involving students at Arrowhead Christian Academy. Police said the incident stemmed from a verbal exchange between students, followed by statements indicating an intent to bring weapons to school and harm another student. The suspect later said the statements were meant as a joke. The case will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review.

All investigations are ongoing unless otherwise noted.