Arrest made after attack in a Costa Mesa hotel lobby

-- Lolita Harper

A 30-year-old Irvine man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of

committing a violent hate crime after attacking a man in the lobby of

the Hilton Costa Mesa, police said.

Officers responded to the hotel on Bristol Street after receiving a

call of a disturbance in the lobby, Costa Mesa Police Lt. Dale Birney

said. Upon arrival, police arrested Travis Dale Phillips in connection

with the assault of a man who remains unnamed to protect his identity,

Birney said.

Birney said the victim apparently suffered injuries to the face and

neck, according to police photos.

After further investigation, arresting officers determined the alleged

assault was a hate crime, which is described as injury or threat to a

person, or threat to property, because of specified beliefs, Birney said.

Police officials did not release details of the alleged attack nor did

they specify whether the crime was motivated by factors involving

religious, sexual orientation or racial beliefs.

Phillips is being held in Costa Mesa Jail on $10,000 bail and is

scheduled for arraignment today at Harbor Municipal Court in Newport

Beach.