(KRON) — Police in Palo Alto said they are investigating a robbery that happened Thursday afternoon as a possible hate crime. The victim, according to authorities, had been walking in the Baylands Nature Preserve when he was attacked by three men who yelled racial epithets at him.
The incident occurred around noon near the Marsh Front trailhead at the preserve. The victim reported to the Palo Alto Police Department that he passed by the three men on the path when one of them punched him in the eye and threw him to the ground.
“The other two males began punching and striking the victim while one took the victim’s wallet from his pants pocket,” Palo Alto PD wrote. “While the males were striking the victim, they were yelling racial epithets directed at Black people.”
The suspects ran away, while the victim was left with bruising and scratches on his face…