http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/loc...-charged-for-alleged-racist-assault/26135413/
Portland Police arrested two men Sunday for an alleged racially motivated assault that happened in an alley off Congress Street.
Police said officers were flagged down near 790 Congress St. and were told about a fight in an alley. Officers went to the alley and saw two men allegedly assaulting 33-year-old Anthony Byars. Police arrested 35-year-old Charles Bean Jr. and 30-year-old Benjamin Bean, both of New Gloucester at 5:20 p.m.
Investigation revealed that Charles and Benjamin Bean, who are brothers, were allegedly fighting with another man when a group gathered. Byars was in that group and witnesses said that the Beans pointedly asked him "what he was looking at," used racial slurs and then threatened to kill him, said police. The brothers then allegedly attacked Byars, who is black. The Beans are both white. Police said that during the attack witnesses were yelling at the brothers to stop.
Byars suffered facial injuries and scrapes and bruises to both arms. He has been treated and released.
Charles Bean was charged with assault and interference with constitutional and civil rights, and an unrelated charge of assault based on an arrest warrant having been issued.
Benjamin Bean was charged with assault, interference with constitutional and civil rights, and violation of conditional release. He had previously been released on bail for an unrelated charge.
Assault and interference with constitutional and civil rights are both are class D crimes, meaning each is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2000.
Portland Police is referring the case to Cumberland County District Attorney and the Maine Attorney General Civil Rights Unit.
Portland Police arrested two men Sunday for an alleged racially motivated assault that happened in an alley off Congress Street.
Police said officers were flagged down near 790 Congress St. and were told about a fight in an alley. Officers went to the alley and saw two men allegedly assaulting 33-year-old Anthony Byars. Police arrested 35-year-old Charles Bean Jr. and 30-year-old Benjamin Bean, both of New Gloucester at 5:20 p.m.
Investigation revealed that Charles and Benjamin Bean, who are brothers, were allegedly fighting with another man when a group gathered. Byars was in that group and witnesses said that the Beans pointedly asked him "what he was looking at," used racial slurs and then threatened to kill him, said police. The brothers then allegedly attacked Byars, who is black. The Beans are both white. Police said that during the attack witnesses were yelling at the brothers to stop.
Byars suffered facial injuries and scrapes and bruises to both arms. He has been treated and released.
Charles Bean was charged with assault and interference with constitutional and civil rights, and an unrelated charge of assault based on an arrest warrant having been issued.
Benjamin Bean was charged with assault, interference with constitutional and civil rights, and violation of conditional release. He had previously been released on bail for an unrelated charge.
Assault and interference with constitutional and civil rights are both are class D crimes, meaning each is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to $2000.
Portland Police is referring the case to Cumberland County District Attorney and the Maine Attorney General Civil Rights Unit.
