A hate crime, when it involves a black victim and a white perpetrator is never ‘possible.’ It is mandatory. — Ed.
An 18-year-old man was severely beaten with a piece of concrete lateTuesday night, in an assault that’s being investigated by Buffalopolice as a possible hate crime.
The victim, who lives off Genesee Street at the eastern edge of thecity, was listed in serous condition today in Erie County MedicalCenter, where he’s being treated for a severe head injury.
“Police are looking into the possibility that it could be a hate crime,based on the information we have received,” police spokesman Michael J.DeGeorge said, refusing to elaborate.
Witnesses told police that the young man, who is white, was beatenby a group of about 10 to 12 black males. Police are investigating thepossibility that the beating may have resulted from a dispute involvinga friend of the victim’s.
Following the attack, which occurredat about 10:50 p.m. at Genesee Street and Floss Avenue, the victimmanaged to make his way to his nearby home.
Police fielded calls about a gang assault, and they followed the trail of blood to the man’s home.
Detectives say they have been hindered in their investigation by the victim’s reluctance to talk about the crime.