Overview

• Robert Leon Tackett was taken into custody on July 24 on suspicion of aggravated assault and a hate crime.
• The charges stem from a July 22 incident on Sand Canyon Avenue near the 5 Freeway when Tackett allegedly shouted racial slurs at a Hispanic driver and hurled hot coffee into his car.
• The victim recorded most of the encounter and a family member’s post on social media prompted the Irvine Police Department to open an investigation.
• Irvine Police Department spokesman Kyle Oldoerp confirmed the incident’s classification as a hate crime under California law, which carries enhanced penalties.
• Detectives are asking anyone with additional footage or information to contact them at rsteen@cityofirvine.org.