A woman has been arrested in connection with a hate crime that occurred Friday near the Mountain View City Hall. 

At about 3:15 pm on July 1, dispatchers received multiple calls that two women were in a physical fight at Castro and Mercy streets. As officers were en route, witnesses reported that one of the women had run away from the fight and was being followed by alert bystanders. These individuals helped police find the woman near the intersection of Castro Street and Central Expressway.

During an initial investigation, officers learned the woman, identified as 43-year-old transient Atoosa Biglari, had battered an 18-year-old female victim and made racial slurs directed at her because of her ethnicity.

As a result, Biglari was arrested for battery with a hate crime enhancement and was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.

“I am saddened to hear that this type of incident would happen in our community,” said Chief Chris Hsiung. “This is not the way we treat each other, and hate has no place in our community.”

Media inquiries can be sent to PIO Katie Nelson at policepio@mountainview.gov.