Hate crime charges have been filed in Alameda County after an incident involving a man making threats to employees and customers inside Casa Latina Bakery.
What We Know:
- Prosecutors have charged 60-year-old Thomas Kravit with making criminal threats and violating civil rights laws. Both charges are considered misdemeanors. Kravit’s bail is listed at $25,000, and he has been in jail since his arrest on May 26th.
- Around lunchtime on May 26th, Kravit allegedly entered the bakery and began making gun gestures with his hands. According to Berkeley police, he also singled out the Latino manager of the bakery. He said, “you *expletive* Mexican, go back to your country.” Kravit is also reported as saying, “I want to kill you.”
- The manager informed the police of what happened and that he feared for his life. Investigators identified Kravit from security footage and recognized him. Kravit was later found and arrested at a park three miles away from the bakery. Later on, the manager of the bakery identified him in a police lineup.
- It is unclear if Thomas Kravit suffers from mental illness. There is also no evidence that proves he has an address. Kravit listed his profession as “photographer” on his jail intake form.
Kravit’s next court date is scheduled for June 17th.
