Modesto Police Arrest Suspect in Hate Crime Investigation
Photo: Stock Image
MODESTO, CA
“On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Modesto Police Department responded to the area of 9th Street and K Street to investigate a possible hate crime. The victim reported finding a note on their vehicle containing hate speech and threats to harm them based on their race. The Violent Crimes Unit immediately began investigating, discovering that similar hate speech signs had recently been reported in an unincorporated area of Modesto. Each of the incidents depicted racial epithets and threats towards Mexican Immigrants.
On December 5, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office notified the Modesto Police Department about a potential suspect, identified as 39-year-old Anthony Rodriguez. Modesto Police Detectives recognized Anthony as having an active arrest warrant authored by Modesto Police Department for a previous criminal threats and stalking investigation from October 2024. In that case, Anthony was positively identified as making death threats and stalking the victim.
Yesterday, Sheriff’s deputies arrested Anthony Rodriguez on an outstanding Modesto Police Department warrant in front of his residence in the 1500 block of Morgan Road, located in unincorporated Modesto. MPD Detectives assisted in executing a search warrant at Anthony’s residence. Evidence was recovered linking Anthony to the December 4th hate incident at 9th Street and K Street, as well a similar incident reported in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction.
During an interview with MPD Detectives, Anthony admitted his involvement in the December 4th incident and was subsequently arrested for 422.6 PC, Felony Hate Crime. He was also booked on the outstanding Modesto Police warrant for threats and stalking. Detectives also requested a bail enhancement of $400,000, which was approved by a judge.
Chief Brandon Gillespie said, “The City of Modesto has zero tolerance for this kind of behavior. Any reported acts of hatred or violence towards individuals based on race, religion, cultures, gender, or identity will be taken seriously by the Modesto Police Department and thoroughly investigated. The City is committed to ensuring that public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and accessible for all residents in Modesto.”
