Overview
- Prosecutors charged 39‑year‑old Hans Haken with multiple felonies on June 18–19, including assault with a deadly weapon, hit‑and‑run, vandalism, reckless driving and allegations that the assault counts are hate crimes.
- Authorities say the May 16 incident began when Haken spray‑painted the phrase “F----- = GAS CHAMBERS” on a Castro storefront and painted over a gate camera and intercom, according to court documents and the DA’s office.
- Court filings and witness statements allege Haken pushed and punched a resident who confronted him, then reversed his Cadillac toward the person before fleeing and rear‑ending a parked car that slightly injured a minor inside.
- Haken pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was ordered held in custody pending a preliminary hearing next month after prosecutors asked that he be detained without bail as a public‑safety risk.
- Defense lawyers say the suspect’s vehicle had been egged and keyed before the confrontation and that there is more context to the case, while witnesses provided video shown in court that prosecutors say documents the altercation; the DA estimates a conviction could carry roughly four years in state prison.