BART rider charged with hate crime in knife brandishing

DUBLIN Prosecutors here have charged an East Bay BART rider with a hate crime for allegedly brandishing a knife at another person while yelling go back to your country The alleged remark by Michael Sprague was apparently motivated by the victim s actual characteristics and perceived characteristics with respect to race and ethnicity prosecutors explained in a news release The hate crime allegation is an enhancement being tacked on to a brandishing charge The news release doesn t say where the July episode took place but says Sprague and the victim were waiting for a train when the alleged brandishing occurred Both charges are misdemeanors records show The charging documents allege Sprague brandished a knife in a rude angry or threatening manner The arraignment has been set for Tuesday