APD announces second arrest in hate crime assault

The Asheville Police Department has announced a second arrest in the July 14 assault on Luke Hankins. A group of people surrounded Hankins, shouting homophobic slurs before one, later identified by police as Lamon Hopkins, punched him in the face. The APD has arrested Hopkins, and today announced the arrest of a juvenile on assault charges.

According to the APD, the juvenile, a 15-year-old white male, shouted the slurs, assaulted him and destroyed Hankins’ glasses during the attack. He is charged with simple assault and damage to property.

Full announcement from the APD below:

ASHEVILLE – APD has made a second arrest in the Assault that occurred last Thursday involving four individuals.  The second arrest is a 15 year old W/M juvenile who lives in the W. Asheville area.  This individual was alleged to have assaulted our victim as well as damaging his glasses.  Two petitions for Simple Assault and Damage to Property have been filed in the Office of Juvenile Justice on this suspect. 

The two other persons of interest, a W/M and B/F, have cooperated with authorities in this matter and provided statements as to their involvement.  No other charges will be forthcoming on these individuals.

 

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