ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Three men are suspected of instigating a hate-driven assault at a local restaurant in Roseville on Thursday evening, according to law enforcement officials. The violent incident, which included homophobic slurs and physical aggression, unfolded at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Fairway Drive.
Authorities identified the venue of the altercation as Blaze Pizza. The incident began when a man, who had entered the establishment to collect a delivery order, noticed a pride flag displayed at the counter. Law enforcement stated that the individual expressed his displeasure by seizing the flag and discarding it onto the floor.
Following this act, when an employee confronted him, the man reportedly retorted with a homophobic slur before exiting the restaurant. However, the situation escalated when he returned shortly afterward, accompanied by two other individuals. The trio then engaged in a physical confrontation with two staff members of the restaurant.
The altercation resulted in one employee sustaining facial injuries severe enough to require hospitalization. The suspects had fled the scene by the time police officers arrived at the restaurant.
A witness at the scene, Chance Chacon, provided an account of the events. He recalled the initial objection to the pride flag by the aggressor and described the attackers’ return to the premises as resembling “a mob.” According to Chacon, the group resumed their aggressive behavior, targeting one of the employees.
Despite the availability of surveillance footage capturing the incident, the Roseville Police Department has decided not to release any videos, photographs, or detailed descriptions of the suspects to the public at this time.
In response to the incident, Blaze Pizza issued a statement emphasizing their priority on the safety and security of their staff and patrons. The company remarked that while they could not delve into specifics due to the ongoing investigation, they vehemently denounced the violence and pledged full cooperation with the authorities to resolve the matter.
The Roseville Police are treating the assault as a hate incident and are actively seeking further information to aid their investigation. Residents with any knowledge pertinent to the attack or the identities of the suspects are encouraged to contact the police.
This incident has stirred discussions within the community about the prevalence of hate crimes and the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their identity.