Dearborn Police Say No Evidence Of Hate Crime In Fight At Kroger
DEARBORN (WWJ/AP) - Police in Dearborn say there's no credible evidence that religion or ethnicity played a role in an assault reported at a grocery store.
In a statement Friday, Police Chief Ron Haddad said "abusive language" might have been during the fight Feb. 12 at a Kroger store, but nothing that would make the incident a hate crime under federal law.
"We have no credible statements or evidence, including the limited video available, to substantiate the claim that the altercation occurred due to the religion, race or ethnicity of any of the combatants," Haddad said.
A witness told police that two white men insulted an Arab man and his daughter at the Kroger on Michigan Avenue and Greenfield Road on Feb. 12. The man was punched as a fight broke out. Haddad said at this point, there are conflicting reports from eyewitnesses as to who initiated the altercation.
"This type of situation could have been totally avoided had cooler heads prevailed," he said. "This was an isolated incident that is uncommon at the store in question."
The case will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for consideration of possible charges.
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