Hate crime suspect arrested after incident at 'Porchfest' in Fresno's Tower District, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of “a violation of civil rights/hate crime” following an incident at the Porchfest event in Fresno’s Tower District over the weekend.

According to the Fresno Police Department, the incident began following an argument over support of Palestine.

Police say on Saturday at around 4 p.m., officers responded to a call of a physical disturbance occurring at Echo and Hedges avenue. Officers say when they arrived they contacted several women who had set up a booth for the Porchfest event in the Tower District. 

According to police, the women said that an intoxicated man, later identified as 49-year-old Francisco Samaniego, approached them and allegedly began an argument over their support of Palestine. 

Police say the argument escalated to a physical confrontation. Samaniego fled on foot after the altercation but was found by assisting officers.

Samaniego was arrested on suspicion of the following charges and booked into the Fresno County Jail.

• PC 211 – Robbery (felony) 
• PC 242 – Battery on a person (misdemeanor) 
• PC 422.6(a) – Violation of civil rights/hate crime (misdemeanor) 
• PC 594(a)(s) – Vandalism (misdemeanor)

In a statement, Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama wrote that the equal protection of all members of the Fresno community regardless of their political affiliation, social status, race, creed, or sexual preference is a top priority for the Fresno Police Department.

The assault which occurred last Saturday at Porchfest is being investigated as a hate crime, and we are happy to say the perpetrator was arrested. The Fresno community does not stand for hate or lawlessness, and we will continue to work with all members of our city to make sure everyone can express their beliefs without fear of violence.

Jail records show that Samaniego is no longer inside Fresno County Jail.