US: Police-chief's son attacks Sikh man; shows 'middle-finger' in court
What's the story
The teenager son of a police chief in California, who brutally assaulted a 71-year-old Sikh man, grinned and made obscene gestures by flashing his middle fingers, during his first court appearance, according to a report by Sacramento's FOX40 News. Sahib Singh Natt was attacked last Monday and spit at by 18-year-old Tyrone McAllister and his 16-year-old juvenile friend in Manteca, California. Here's more.
Details
Accused, son of Union City Police Chief Darryl McAllister
Tyrone, the son of Union City Police Chief Darryl McAllister, and the juvenile have been charged with attempted robbery, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon. On Friday, younger McAllister entered the courtroom and flipped his middle fingers to a cameraman. He then dropped his hands before throwing up his middle finger for the second time, Sacramento's FOX40 reported.
Courtroom
Teen wearing a black hoodie, was seen brandishing a gun
Tyrone appeared to be grinning and also made suspected gang signs while his hands were cuffed, the report added. Younger McAllister appeared in the court for his arraignment. However, no bail was set for the teen. The attack on 71-year-old Natt during his morning walk was captured by surveillance cameras and showed the two teenagers beating the old man while dressed in hoodies.
Hate crime
Investigators determining whether it can be charged a hate crime
Investigators are looking into whether the attack meets the legal criteria for charging a hate crime. "Whether it was just a crime or a hate crime, I'm of the opinion that at this point, looking at the videos, that it's just a crime committed by some young people," Bobby Bivens, President of the Stockton branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Police Chief
Tyrone had 'lost his way', explains Chief Darryl McAllister
In a post on Union City Police Department's Facebook page, Chief Darryl McAllister stated that a few years ago, Tyrone "lost his way" and got into the company of "bad crowd". After he ran away, Tyrone was arrested twice in theft-related cases. The police chief also said that he and his wife worked with and helped the Manteca police in arresting his son.
Quote
Crime not an element of our household, values, character: Darryl
"Words can barely describe how embarrassed, dejected, and hurt my wife, daughters, and I feel right now. Violence and hatred is not what we have taught our children; intolerance for others is not even in our vocabulary, let alone our values," Darryl wrote on Facebook.