Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Committing Hate Crime In Simi Valley
SIMI VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hate crime that occurred in Simi Valley, police said Monday.
The arrest of John Matteson stemmed from a stabbing that took place Saturday night near a mosque located in the 1700 block of Erringer Road.
A preliminary investigation revealed Matteson confronted worshipers as they exited Masjid Al-Rasool Mosque, leading to a fight behind Smart & Final involving multiple people.
The victim is expected to survive his injuries. Police say he was targeted because of his appearance and association with the mosque.
Detectives are searching for another man who was involved in the confrontation. He was described as a white man wearing dark clothes.
Matteson, 29, is scheduled to be arraigned on felony charges Tuesday.
