Boy Sought In Racial Attack Apprehended

Thu., June 17, 1999

Police detectives arrested one of two 13-year-old boys sought for throwing rocks and shouting racial slurs at a group of young girls.

Detectives found the boy in the 2300 block of West Bridge at about 5 p.m. Wednesday. The boy gave chase but was caught and taken into custody, police spokesman Dick Cottam said.

Police are still searching for the other suspect.

Witnesses helped identify the two suspects after the incident in Cannon Park at about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said the two boys walked by the girls and shouted “white power” and threw rocks at them, chipping one girl’s tooth and swelling her lip and pelting another girl in the shoulder and arm.

The boys could face malicious mischief and assault charges, both felonies.

Acting Police Chief Roger Bragdon said the assault was cowardly.

“We want everyone to know we don’t tolerate racist-motivated assaults and will respond vigorously if they occur,” Bragdon said.

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