Transgender woman attacked; suspect faces hate crime charge
A transgender woman suffered minor injuries in a fight last week that started after a 34-year-old man reportedly spat at her while she was shopping at Target in Glendale, police said.
The man, identified as Rodolfo Coria, was charged Friday with one misdemeanor count each of assault and committing a hate crime in connection with the incident, said Glendale police spokeswoman Tahnee Lightfoot.
About 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to the store, where Coria had allegedly made derogatory comments toward the 45-year-old transgender shopper regarding her sexual orientation, Lightfoot told Times Community News.
A fight ensued after Coria reportedly spat at the victim. The fight left her with cuts on her legs and a swollen thumb.
In a news release, police said the city has “zero tolerance” for any form of hate crimes.
“Any acts or threats of violence, harassment, property damage, vandalism, or other crimes motivated by hate and bias and designed to infringe upon these rights are viewed very seriously and will be given high priority by the Glendale Police Department,” the document stated.
Tchekmedyian writes for Times Community News.
Follow @atchek on Twitter
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