Police Arrest Youth in Beating of Gay Man

A 16-year-old Corona youth suspected of beating a gay man is in police custody, and detectives said Thursday that they are considering misdemeanor charges against four other youths in connection to the incident, which they termed a hate crime.

The youth, whose name was withheld because of his age, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of assault.

He and several friends met Francisco Zuniga George, 36, early July 4 as George was walking home from work along the beach near Saint Anns Drive, investigators said. The alleged assailants, ages 15 to 21, offered the man a beer and chatted with him for about an hour, Police Lt. Danell Adams said.

The meeting turned violent when George told the group he is gay, Adams said.

“The suspect hit [George] across the back of the head, knocking him down,” Adams said. “George tried to get up and walk away.”

Three other males followed George and allegedly told him that the 16-year-old had struck him because “he hates fags and so do we,” Adams said.

They also hit and kicked George until he fell on the ground and started screaming, Adams said. George was treated at a hospital for minor bruises and released.

A videotape showing two of the five youths buying beer at a nearby convenience store, together with additional investigation, led detectives to the 16-year-old, Adams said. The four other males, all of Corona, could face misdemeanor charges, detectives said.

Police are also looking into a criminal allegation against George by the youths.

“The individuals contacted gave a different account of the incident, which is being investigated,” said Sgt. Bob Rahaeuser, who declined to give details.