Suspect Photo Released in El Cerrito Hate Crime Incident

The El Cerrito Police Department has been investigating an alleged hate crime that occurred on November 9 involving a shoplifter and an employee at a local business.

According to police, On November 9th, 2022 at approximately 6:30 PM an employee at a local business contacted a habitual shoplifter inside the business.

Upon contacting the shoplifter, the suspect became confrontational and verbally aggressive towards the employee. The employee called 911 to report the incident during which time the suspect punched the employee and fled the scene. During the incident the suspect used derogatory language that was based on the perceived gender of the employee.

The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 38 years old, 6’3”, heavy set, 250-260lbs, bald headed, wearing a black beanie, black jacket, black plants, black shoes and white mask.

On Thursday, police released a suspect photograph.

If you can identify the suspect or have any information about the above incident, please call the dispatch non-emergency line at 510-237-3233 and ask to speak with an officer or email [email protected].