San Bruno: Teen arrested for alleged death threat in what police are calling a hate crime

The victim was Afghan and the suspect was of Middle Eastern descent, police say.

SAN BRUNO — A teen boy was arrested here on suspicion of threatening and brandishing a weapon at a person and making derogatory remarks about the victim’s perceived ethnicity, authorities said.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon and committing a hate crime. Police say that around 2:40 p.m. Saturday, they received a call that the male victim had been threatened during an argument at a shopping center on El Camino Real in San Bruno.

The boy allegedly threatened to kill the victim after pulling out a knife, and made derogatory remarks about his race. Police said in a news release the victim is Afghan and the suspect is “believed to be of Middle Eastern descent,” without elaborating.

The boy was booked into juvenile hall.

San Bruno police say any witnesses who wish to make a statement may call them at 650-616-7100 or by email:sbpdtipline@sanbruno.ca.gov.