Fairfield police investigating hate crime after girl assaulted for perceived immigration status

FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- A high school student in Fairfield was assaulted and harassed for her perceived immigration status, leading to the arrest of a suspect on suspicion of a hate crime, police said Thursday.

On Wednesday morning, a girl was walking to Fairfield High School near the 300 block of Dahlia Street when she was approached by a Fairfield resident who allegedly confronted her with "vulgar, race-based language" before physically assaulting her, according to police.

The suspect allegedly targeted her for her perceived immigration status. A community member witnessed the attack and transported the girl to the high school, where staff called police.

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Investigators identified Victor Viera Chavez, 37, as the suspect and attempted to find him at his residence that day but were unable to, according to police.

On Thursday, officers conducted surveillance near Chavez's home in order to protect more students walking to school. Chavez was seen leaving his house and was taken into custody for questioning, police said.

Chavez was booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of several felonies, including battery with serious bodily injury, child endangerment and a hate crime enhancement. He is being held on $66,667 bail.