Text size:

5 accused of beating Hispanic teen in hate attack

April 4, 2009

SLOATSBURG, N.Y. - Five white teenagers in suburban New York are accused of shouting "white power" while kicking and punching a Hispanic teen.

Ramapo police say the 17-year-old Hispanic male was treated for a laceration and concussion.

Detective Lt. Brad Weidel says the teenagers were together at a party on March 28 in the woods near the municipal water tower when a fight broke out. He says the white teens targeted the Latino, shouting "white power" as they assaulted him.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and released. Police did not identify him.

Four of the suspects are Suffern High School students. So is the Hispanic teen. The fifth suspect is a former student.

Police say the suspects are charged with assault as a hate crime.

___

Information from: The Journal News, http://www.thejournalnews.com