Posted on 04/10/2014 9:17:11 AM PDT by cripplecreek
DETROIT, MI -- For the first time since April 2 when an angry mob beat Steven Utash to the brink of death in Detroit, authorities say race is a factor.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Thursday announced a 16-year-old juvenike suspect is being charged with ethnic intimidation as a minor.
He is also charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm.
Three other suspects, Bruce Edward Wimbush Jr., 17; Wonzey Saffold, 30; and James Deontae Davis, 24, all of Detroit, are charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm.
Police announced the arrest of a fifth suspect Wednesday but further details weren't provided.
Utash, a 54-year-old father of three from Roseville, remains unconscious and in critical conditions.
Police say Utash was attacked by up to 12 people after he accidentally struck 10-year-old David Harris, who walked in front of his pickup. Utash exited his vehicle to assist when the beating ensued.
Utash is white. Harris and his charged attackers are black.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan met with the family personally and helped plan a candlelight vigil for Utash set to take place at 7 p.m. tonight at Little Rock Baptist Church, 9000 Woodward in Detroit.
Family members hoped to raise $50,000 for Utash's medical bills. In six days more than $150,000 in contributions have been made to the online funding site.
Deborah Hughes, a retired nurse who lives near the scene of the attack, is credited for intervening and possibly saving Utash's life. Detroit Police Chief James Craig visited her apartment Tuesday to personally thank her.
Detroit police initially said there was no evidence to support racial motivation in the attack, but earlier this week said they were "widening" their investigation and not ruling out hate crimes.
The 10 year old thug purposely ran into Utash’s truck. The entire thing was planned.
I hope Utash survives, and without bad damage.
No white or Asian people should go to all black areas, unless heavily armed in groups.
misdemeanor, no doubt.
I'm thinking we need a Ypsi Lesbo "hate crime" watch. "Day 101 - Still no word on the investigation….the three tall white gray hooded assailants still at large." Amazing how quickly that left the radar. You'd think the media would be all over it, but they probably got wind from the cops she was less than truthful. I wonder if they'll file charges for her false police report if it ever comes to that.
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