Police Arrest Suspect in Alleged Hate Crime at Strikes

Elk Grove police have arrested Sacramento resident Joel Olivarez, 30, for aggravated battery in on a gay man in the parking lot of Strikes Family Entertainment Center.

Detectives also categorized the beating of Seth Parker, 26, as a hate crime. That could mean additional jail time for Olivarez if he is charged and convicted.

A tip called in to the region's Crime Alert hotline led to the arrest, police said.

"Our political leaders have said there is no room for hate influenced intolerance in our communities and they are right," Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Lehner said in a statement. "I am saddened by this event and its circumstances but proud of my staff for their relentless pursuit of those responsible for this crime.”

Parker suffered multiple facial fractures after being punched in the head during an argument that took place shortly after 11:00 p.m. Witnesses said his attacker yelled anti-gay epithets before hitting him.

Police said they also tracked down a second man at the crime scene, who they consider a witness. They said they are continuing to investigate the crime.