Police are investigating a hate crime at University of California, Irvine after a group of teenagers allegedly chased and harassed a student on campus.
According to the UC Irvine Police Department, the incident occurred Feb. 27 at the Arroyo Vista Housing complex.
The UC Irvine Black Student Union said five white teenagers riding e-bikes chased a Black student shortly after a community event. During the confrontation, the teens allegedly shouted racial slurs and spat on the student.
Investigators said one of the teens also rode his e-bike into the victim’s leg and scooter during the pursuit, causing torn skin, bruising and an ankle infection.
The student eventually ran into the Rosa Parks House and called police. Most of the suspects fled before officers arrived, though one teenager was detained near a parking structure.
Authorities said the victim later returned home and is currently on bed rest after the incident.
Police are still searching for additional suspects. Investigators described one suspect as a 16- to 17-year-old boy wearing a white T-shirt, black pants and a black helmet. Another was described as a 14-year-old boy wearing a black shirt, gray denim pants, white Nike Air Force 1 shoes, a black helmet and a blue backpack.
The investigation remains ongoing as campus officials review the incident.