CLEARLAKE >> A religious leader was allegedly assaulted Wednesday by a man during an argument over his belief that the church”s publications were promoting demonic beliefs.
The victim and another church member were performing religious activities near Ray”s Food Place on Dam Road when former church member, identified as 49-year-old transient Michael Munoz, approached them and reportedly began arguing about why he was no longer with the church, according to Clearlake Police Department (CPD) Sgt. Rodd Joseph.
The conversation became heated and Munoz became aggressive. At that point, the victim asked Munoz to leave, Joseph stated. When Munoz refused, the victim began dialing 9-1-1 on his phone, but Munoz allegedly grabbed the phone and smashed it on the ground. Munoz then allegedly punched the victim in the face with a closed fist, causing injuries. After striking the victim, Munoz left the area and the victim traveled to the police department to report the crime.
CPD officer Mike Ray began the investigation at about 12:26 p.m. when the victim arrived at the station and gave a description of Munoz, Joseph sated.
CPD Chief Craig Clausen and Lt. Tim Celli drove to the area near Ray”s Food Place and found a man who fit the description and was later positively identified as the attacker, Munoz, by the victim during an in-field show-up, Joseph stated.
Munoz was charged with two misdemeanor violations of interfering with a 9-1-1 call to police and vandalism. During questioning, Munoz reportedly denied assaulting the victim or damaging the victim”s phone; however, he did admit to arguing about the promotion of demonic beliefs. Based on the additional information and the totality of the incident, Munoz was additionally charged with a felony violation of a hate crime and was later booked into the Lake County jail.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact the CPD. The investigating officer Ray. He can be reached at 994-8251 ext. 504.
