Arrest Made in Assault of San Diego Gay Rights Leader

A 23-year-old man is in jail in San Diego after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting a gay-rights leader during an event in the suburb of Lemon Grove.

Kenyatta Mitchell was arrested Saturday after allegedly slapping Ron DeHarte, who was carrying a gay-rights banner during the Equality Torch Relay event.

Mitchell is said to have yelled, "There's no place for that here!" and slapped DeHarte twice. Mitchell was arrested moments later hiding in a store. He is charged with assault and violation of civil rights through force, both misdemeanors.

He is being held without bail on three outstanding warrants for trespassing, violation of a restraining order and weapons possession. The case is being reviewed by the San Diego County district attorney's office.

The Equality Torch Relay is a daylong march through numerous cities in San Diego County to promote equal rights for gays.