A UC Berkeley student accused of making homophobic remarks before beating and robbing a classmate may face hate crime charges for the assault, according to a crime report posted by the schools police force.
Late Tuesday night, 19-year-old Joseph Donner and another 19-year-old UC Berkeley student were walking to the Moffit Library when Donner allegedly "made homophobic statements" to the victim and took his cell phone, UC Berkeley police say.
Donner allegedly ordered the other man to go into a nearby construction area. When the victim objected, Donner allegedly punched, kicked, and choked his classmate, who fled.
Donner, who UC Berkeley police say was acquainted with his alleged victim, was arrested at his home shortly after the incident.
According to the Daily Cal, Donner was booked in Berkeley Jail, with a bail of $130,000. He's scheduled to return to court Thursday afternoon, where he's expected to face hate crime, robbery, and aggravated assault charges.
Do you know anything about the crime? If so, you're urged to contact the UC Berkeley Police Department at 510-642-6760.
