A KERN COUNTY MAN WAS ARRESTED IN SANTA CRUZ EARLY SATURDAY MORNING. THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AROUND 2:30 A-M ON THE 1-HUNDRED OF WALNUT AVENUE. ACCORDING TO POLICE SOURCES THE VICTIM ASKED 3 MEN FOR A RIDE HOME IN THEIR PICK-UP TRUCK, 1 OF THE MEN THEN ISSUED A RACIAL SLUR AND PUNCHED THE VICTIM IN THE FACE. POLICE FOUND THE 3 MEN IN THE TRUCK, 2 OF WHICH WERE NOW WEARING HELLS ANGELS CLOTHING. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE TURNED UP A KNIFE AND A LOADED 9MM PISTOL. 38 YEAR OLD JOHN SMITH OF TAFT WAS BOOKED INTO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY JAIL ON BATTERY, BRANDISHING AND POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN CONNECTION WITH A HATE CRIME CHARGES.
