December 9, 2010
Source: The Washington Post
Wire Service: AP
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/09/AR2010120905779.html
Two men attacked a Muslim religious leader in a hate-fueled assault in a subway station, with one hurling slurs along with a fist, prosecutors and Muslim advocates said Thursday.
But defense lawyers said the incident was a fight spurred by an accidental bump, not bias.
Eddie Crespo, an officer with a transportation police force, and friend Albert Melendez were charged Thursday with robbery and assault, both as hate crimes.