4 Korean Suspects Arrested In Hate Crime Against Chinese-American Man
DIAMOND BAR (CBS) — Authorities have arrested four Korean suspects in connection with a hate crime, assault and robbery of a Chinese man.
According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, the incident happened on Feb.6 in the 18300 block of East Colima Road in Rowland Heights. Authorities say a 25-year-old Chinese-American man entered a Korean restaurant where seven suspects were eating. One of the suspects approached the victim and asked if he was Korean. The victim said he was Chinese and later left.
Officials say the suspects then followed the victim outside and began beating him. Officials are unsure why the fight began. They say the beating was stopped by witnesses.
LASD officials say the suspects also vandalized the victim's car and took his wallet.
An investigation involving the Asian Gang Team and Operation Safe Streets Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department led to the arrest of the four suspects. Authorities are still trying to locate at least two others. Officials say they are all members of a Korean-American gang called "Asian Mafia Assassins" which is based mostly in eastern Los Angeles County.
Jachin Yi, 18, and Peter Kim, 19, have been charged with Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Hate Crimes by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. They have since been released on bail.
Hwan Joon Huh, 29, and Jae Du, 25, are being held at Walnut Sheriff's Station on $100,000 bail each, on charges of Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Hate Crimes. Formal charges will be sought Thursday.
