The Elk Grove Police Department announced that a 30-year-old Sacramento man has been arrested in connection with the June 5 attack on a man in the parking lot of Strike's Family Entertainment Center in Elk Grove.
Joel Olivarez is accused of aggravated battery.
Detectives believe that Olivarez confronted Seth Parker, 26, of Sacramento at 11:19 a.m. June 5. Olivarez allegedly punched Parker in the face during an argument, then fled with a companion. Parker suffered facial fractures.
Detectives received information through Crime Alert identifying Olivarez as the person responsible for the attack, according to a Police Department news release. Detectives also were able to identify the second person captured on surveillance video and consider him a witness at this time.
Police have categorized the assault as a hate crime. Parker reported that at least one of the two men directed homophobic slurs at him after Parker tried to discourage them from bothering his female companions.
Upon completion of the investigation, the police report will be forwarded to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office.
"Hopefully, this investigation and arrest will serve as a message to those who not only would commit a criminal act but would do so motivated by hate or bias," Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said in a written statement. "When a crime is committed that may have been motivated by hate, that possible element will be thoroughly investigated and, if proved, will be added to the basic underlying criminal charge."
Although an arrest has been made, the investigation is continuing, police said. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Elk Grove Police Department Detective Bureau at (916) 478-8060 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-4357. Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Tips also can be sent via SMS text by entering 274637 on a cell phone, followed by Tip732 and the message.
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