A man suspected of committing a hate-motivated assault during a road rage incident has been taken into custody, according to the Irvine Police Department.
On Tuesday, around 9:30 am, the victim was driving southbound on Sand Canyon Avenue near the Interstate 5 Freeway when he encountered Robert Leon Tackett, 54, from Irvine, yelling at a Hispanic truck driver.
After the victim passed the initial altercation, Tackett began following the victim, driving aggressively and swerving into their lane multiple times, nearly causing a collision. Tackett shouted racial slurs at the victim before throwing a cup of hot coffee into the victim’s vehicle. The liquid landed on the victim’s face, hands, and on the interior of his car.
The victim filmed most of the incident, and a family member posted it on social media. Late last night, the victim contacted the Irvine Police Department and reported the incident.
Today, at around 2:30 pm, Tackett was taken into custody for a hate crime and aggravated assault.
Detectives ask other victims, witnesses, or anyone with additional footage of the incident to contact: rsteen@cityofirvine.org.
In California, the suspect arrested for a hate-motivated road rage assault could face the following penalties:
1. Hate Crime Charges:
- If charged as a misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $5,000, and community service.
- If charged as a felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison.
- If the hate crime enhances another felony charge: 1 to 4 additional years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
2. Aggravated Assault:
- If charged as a felony: 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
- If charged as a misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail.
Combined Charges: If convicted of both aggravated assault and a hate crime enhancement, the suspect could face multiple years in prison, along with fines, probation restrictions, and possibly mandatory education or community service.