Crime & Safety

Transient Faces Hate Crime Charges In Anaheim: COPS

A transient who allegedly shouted "white power!" & "stay white!" at a smoke shop manager could be charged with felony hate crimes, cops say.

ANAHEIM, CA — After scuffling with an Anaheim smoke shop manager a 54-year-old transient will appear in court for hate crime charges, authorities say.

Robert Kevin Pressler was charged Friday with a felony hate crime and a misdemeanor count of possession of methamphetamine, according to court records.

Pressler allegedly walked back and forth in front of a smoke shop on the 80 block of E. Orangethorpe Ave. last Wednesday shouting "white power" and "stay white," said Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt.

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According to court documents obtained by Patch, Pressler allegedly battered the store manager, for "the purpose of intimidating" him.

The store employee, of Middle Eastern descent, confronted Pressler, who threw a 32-ounce soda cup at the man and then got into a scuffle with the victim, Wyatt alleged at the incident.

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Bail was set at $50,000 and Pressler remains in custody as of this report.

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