Olympia PD investigating possible hate crime against same-sex couple on Sept. 4th
Note: this was forwarded from Olympia SURJ (Showing Up For Racial Justice)
City of Olympia News Release | Downtown Assault Investigation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DOWNTOWN ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
Date of Release: September 6, 2016
Contact:
· Paul Lower, PIO
· 360.753.8410
· plower@ci.olympia.wa.us
Possible Hate Crime Component to Assault
On September 4, shortly after midnight, Olympia Police responded to a disturbance downtown involving 10-13 people. When officers arrived, the crowd had dispersed, however officers located two victims. The first victim was a 29 year old woman who suffered a broken tooth after having been hit in the face. The second victim was a 51 year old woman who sustained a scratch to her nose. Both women are from Tacoma. The victims were treated at the scene by medics and later at St. Peter’s hospital.
Witnesses were unclear how the altercation began, although there were reports of both racial slurs and insults related to sexual orientation between the disputing parties. The suspects were described as two black men, one heavy-set and one thin. Officers canvassed the area and stopped a vehicle that witnesses believed was involved. No suspects were found and, after stopping the vehicle, officers determined the occupants were not involved.
Since the night of the incident, more information has become available leading police to investigate a possible hate crime involving sexual orientation or gender identity in addition to the assault. Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts said, “Hate crimes will not be tolerated in our community. All incidents that contain any inference to hate being a motive will be thoroughly investigated by our Department.”
Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Olympia Police Detectives at 360-753-8300. Working closely with our LGBTQ community, the Department has two liaisons who are available to assist in gathering information and ensuring our community members are safe and heard.
