SAN FRANCISCO—The San Francisco Police Department arrested Joshua Ruano, 27, on March 17 for allegedly making anti-Muslim remarks to a woman and threatening to shoot her. The arrest was made at around 7:22 p.m. near the area of 4th and Howard Streets. Authorities arrived on the scene after receiving reports of the death-threat to the victim and was able to get hold of the suspect after searching the premises.
The victim, an adult female was playing in the park with her toddler when the incident occurred. She was wearing a veil that traditionally Muslim women wear. The woman reported that Ruano approached her, made an anti-Muslim remark and threatened to shoot her. The victim, concerned about the safety of herself and the child, fled the premises. She was able to inform two on-duty sergeants about the threat. The victim also provided the police with a description of Ruano. The police arrived at the site of the park and spotted the suspect a few blocks away from the area. He was immediately arrested.
Ruano was booked at San Francisco County jail under the charges of criminal threats with a hate crime enhancement and other unrelated charges.
Although there has been an arrest made, investigators are asking anyone with information on this case to contact the San Francisco Police anonymously at 415-575-4444 or text-a-tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
