Columbus cops are on the hunt for Black Lives Matter activists who attacked a man with cerebral palsy during recent riots.
CPD released video July 8 showing a large crowd at the intersection of High Street and Broad Street surround Eldon Hawkins’ vehicle.
The victim, confused by the chaos, had his windows smashed, personal items stolen and “BLM” graffiti sprayed on the car’s hood.
Columbus Police Looking For Persons Of Interest Involving Victim With CP Who Was Attacked During Riots - 5/31/20
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) July 8, 2020
Anyone info contact Det. Nace at 614-645-2119 or snace@columbuspolice.org or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477
Click for video: https://t.co/PR7BlXN6B0 pic.twitter.com/eAdXbmVqy9
“The video documents people engaging in violent behavior directed at a victim with Cerebral Palsy and his vehicle as well as others who actively came to his rescue and attempted to stop the violence,” CPD said in a statement regarding the May 31 incident. “Information may be shared by contacting Columbus Police Det. Steven Nace at snace@columbuspolice.org or 614-645-2119.”
Mr. Hawkins also spoke to a local CBS affiliate about the Ohio attack.
“It scared the life out of me. I thought they were going to kill me,” he said during a recent interview. “Next thing I knew, they threw a bicycle into my windshield and started kicking all over my car. … I think it’s a horrible shame. People can protest, and we all have that right, there is a right and wrong way to do it.”
Witness Phillip Hurst told the station that he saw “a lot of anger and hate until soon after they realized this gentleman is handicapped.”
Over $8,000 of damage was done to the victim’s vehicle.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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