A 32-year-old Orange County man is facing possible hate crime charges after he reportedly grabbed a woman by the buttocks with both hands inside of a store and made a comment about her ethnicity.  

The Nov. 8 incident, according to a news release from the Westminster Police Department, occurred at around 7:45 a.m. at a retail outlet in the 13500 block of Beach Boulevard.  

Police said the victim, a 43-year-old Garden Grove woman, entered the store and walked into the laundry aisle. She told investigators that when she bent down, the suspect, now identified as Westminster resident Aaron Navies, assaulted her.  

“The victim alleged when she reached down to pick up an item, the arrestee without provocation and against her will grabbed her buttocks with both hands,” the release stated. “The victim immediately stood up, threw an item at Navies and backed away. Navies told the victim, ‘You don’t have rights because you’re Mexican and I can do what I want to.’”  

Authorities added that when the woman, disgusted, began speaking Spanish, Navies “stuck his tongue out and moved it up and down in what she perceived as sexual in nature.”  

The Garden Grove woman immediately called police, who located him inside the store and detained him without incident.  

After collecting evidence and speaking to both parties, authorities confirmed that the victim wanted to press charges and arrested Navies for a hate crime and sexual battery.  

“The Westminster Police Department does not tolerate hate crimes,” the release noted. “If you or someone you know believe you may be the victim of a hate crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency for resources and assistance.”

While authorities said this appears to be an isolated incident, anyone with information about the investigation is urged to contact Westminster PD investigators at 714-898-3315. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Orange County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 855-TIP-OCCS or leave tips online at www.occrimestoppers.org.  

The driver of a coupe was injured and the passenger riding alongside them was killed in a high-speed crash in Riverside Tuesday evening. 

Riverside Police Department officials released a news brief stating that officers were dispatched to the corner of Sycamore Canyon Boulevard and Cottonwood Avenue at 6:15 p.m. on a call for service referencing a traffic collision. 

Upon arrival, first responders located a single vehicle – a 2017 Nissan 370Z – that had collided with a tree. 

“The preliminary investigation revealed that a 29-year-old motorist was driving the Nissan southbound on Sycamore Canyon Boulevard at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and collided into the tree,” Riverside police said. “The two occupants were trapped in the vehicle.” 

After being extricated from the wreckage, both people inside the vehicle were taken to a local hospital, where the passenger succumbed to their injuries. 

They were only identified as a Moreno Valley resident; their name will not be released pending the coroner’s investigation. 

The 29-year-old driver, also of Moreno Valley, was said to be in stable condition and held for further medical observations, law enforcement officials said. 

“At this time, it is unknown if drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash,” RPD said. 

The department’s Major Accident Investigation Team assumed the investigation. 

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact RPD Traffic Detective Ryan McHugh by calling 951-826-8720. Information can also be emailed to RMcHugh@riversideca.gov and reference case number #240031881. 

A burglary attempt at a Long Beach restaurant last week marks the fifth time the Mexican food grill has been hit since opening three years ago.  

The Nov. 6 incident unfolded in the early morning hours, with the establishment’s surveillance cameras capturing two hooded suspects exiting an Infinity and attempting to smash their way through the restaurant’s front glass with what appeared to be a crowbar.  

“Then they start knocking on the glass,” Cynthia Zaragoza explained to KTLA’s Carlos Saucedo. “They’re unable to break it.”  

Because La Esquinta Mexican Grill on Willow Street has been broken into many other times, the owner invested in shatterproof glass. Even with these types of protections, it hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting the restaurant.  

“It’s a huge setback,” Zaragoza said. “I mean, it’s not like we’re making thousands in profits with everything, the cost of living being so high. It’s hard to come back from this.”  

Owner Erik Vasquez told KTLA in Spanish that despite the setbacks, he is still pulling through but wants more help from local authorities.  

On Tuesday, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, along with state officials, walked through downtown, looking for and discussing ways of revitalizing the struggling business corridor. An estimated 100 businesses have left the area since the height of the pandemic.  

“We’re looking forward as we update our downtown plan, our shoreline plan,” the mayor said. “What’s the future look like?” 

People who live and work in downtown Long Beach say that crime and homelessness are major factors in driving out businesses.  

“It’s definitely scaring customers away,” Carla Magana, who works in Long Beach, told KTLA. “We’re very fearful to walk to our cars.”  

The goal, according to officials, is to get a handle on the crime rate, but many downtown businesses and residents wonder if it’s already too late.  

“To the thieves, I promise you, there is nothing of value you can take in here. We leave the register open on purpose so they can see there is no cash, nothing on the premises,” Zaragoza said. “Hopefully, now, there’s a little more punishment for this. Otherwise, I don’t know how long we can stay open if things like this keep happening.”  

A GoFundMe campaign has been organized for La Esquinta Mexican Grill as works to repair the damage done to the restaurant yet again.