Lake Forest Hookah Lounge Hate Crime, Suspect Arraigned Wednesday

LAKE FOREST, CA — A Lake Forest man was charged Wednesday with felony criminal threats, resisting and obstructing an officer and violation of civil rights with a hate crime enhancement, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

According to the OCDA's office, 29-year-old Lake Forest resident Andrew Alan Carruthers walked into BluFig Hookah Lounge in Lake Forest and acted aggressively toward patrons who were primarily of Persian descent.

"Carruthers is accused of threatening to kill individuals at the Lounge after exhibiting intimidating and aggressive behavior," the OCDA said.

A patron of the lounge called 911 and OCSD responded to the scene.

"Carruthers ran from deputies down Lake Forest Drive before surrendering," OCDA's office said.

According to the senior Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Nichols, Carruthers has visible tattoos of symbols associated with white supremacy.

OCDA photo