PORT ANGELES –– City police are looking for a man who allegedly struck someone in the face several times in an unprovoked and racially motivated assault early Sunday morning, police said.
“We would like the public to help in solving this crime, and we’re taking this very seriously,” said Sgt. Jason Viada.
“We do not want people to think this kind of thing represents Port Angeles.”
Officers are looking for a white male, 18 to 19 years old and about 5 feet, 10 inches tall.
The suspect could face charges for malicious harassment, a class C felony. At least one other person could face a charge of rendering criminal assistance.
At about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, someone reported he had been assaulted near 11th and Cedar Streets.
Insults shouted
A group of people, who the victim didn’t know, shouted insults at him. Then one member of the group struck him in the face several times, Viada said.
Viada said that based on what the group was saying to the victim, the attack is thought to be racially motivated. He declined to detail what was said to the victim or provide his race.
After the attack, the group fled in several vehicles before law enforcement arrived. Officers searched the area for the suspect, other members of the group and vehicles.
Police have information about at least one vehicle and one suspect and are actively seeking information from all people who were present.
The victim was transported to Olympic Medical Center after suffering contusions and abrasions to his face, and he was later released.
Anyone with any information about the suspects or case is asked to call the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452-4545.
They can also provide information anonymously by going to the “Online Crime Reporting” tab on the Port Angeles Police Department website, http://tinyurl.com/PDN-police, and clicking on the “Anonymous Crime Tips” link.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.