Beverly Hills, Calif. – A joint investigation with The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Los Angeles County Probation Department, resulted in the arrest of one of the primary suspects responsible for a hate crime in the City of Beverly Hills on November 4, 2020. The suspect was arrested this morning in the City of Glendale.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at approximately 8:30 PM, a hate crime occurred in the 300 block of South Beverly Drive at the Café Istanbul restaurant. The suspects destroyed property and physically attacked the employees inside the restaurant and later in the alley outside of the restaurant. The victims stated that the suspects made derogatory comments during the incident. The Beverly Hills Police Department and the FBI began an in-depth investigation which led to extensive follow-up and review of evidence collected at the scene.
William Stepanyan, 22 years of age of Glendale, was arrested for PC 422.5 – Hate Crime; PC 211- Robbery; PC 459 – Burglary; PC 594 (b) - Vandalism. A probation violation hold has been issued for Stepanyan. He is currently being held without bail at the Beverly Hills Police Department. His next court date is November 16, 2020, in Department 31 at the Airport Courthouse.
The investigation revealed that 6-8 suspects committed the crime; if you have information about the outstanding suspects, you are encouraged to call the Beverly Hills Police Department at (310) 285-2125. If you would like to remain anonymous, text
BEVHILLSPD followed by the tip information to
888777. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. To access Crime Stoppers, download the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP or use the website
http://www.lacrimestoppers.org.
