A Tracy man is being charged with hate crimes after he allegedly used a BB pistol to shoot Hispanic gardeners. Leonardo Cabral, 38, was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with enhancements for hate crimes and one count of resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer when he appeared in court yesterday in Manteca, according to ABC10.
Authorities claim that Cabral used racial epithets before attacking the landscapers in an unprovoked attack on Monday afternoon, aiming for their heads. With Judge Chrishna Martinez voicing grave worries about public safety and refusing to grant bail to Cabral, who stayed composed during the hearing, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office is taking a strong stand on the issue. Both victims chose not to seek medical attention despite having minor wounds. But the neighborhood has been severely scarred by the incident, and the effects are still being felt.
Cabral had already acknowledged the acts and their purpose during police interrogations, but he only gave brief answers before his arraignment. In a statement received by ABC10, Tracy Police Sgt. Michael Richards explained, “He spoke to our investigators and told us why he did what he did.” The police, who are still investigating the precise reason for the savage attack, speculate that the suspect’s behavior may have been influenced by mental health problems, pointing out that Cabral has previously been involved in episodes involving a BB pistol.
The peaceful neighborhood on Dominique Drive has been rocked by the disturbing incident. Locals were shocked and alarmed. Harv Gill, a neighbor, described how the suspect confessed to the shooting during a furious confrontation with emergency personnel. Gill told CBS News Sacramento, “I heard the guy scream from his window, saying I did shoot at them, they were just two Mexicans.” The seriousness of Cabral’s charges is significantly increased by this concerning admission and the willful disdain for the safety of other community members, which also highlights the necessity of a comprehensive judicial investigation.
The case is still ongoing as the gardeners heal from the injuries, and Cabral is expected to appear in court again on Tuesday. A troubling trend of targeted violence that undermines a community’s sense of safety and belonging would be strengthened if the accusations are true. Tracy Police are steadfast in their message: if residents are victimized, justice will be pursued with tenacity. As the community watches, looking for answers and comfort, Cabral is still in detention and is undergoing continuous mental health assessments.
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