Hot Springs National Park (AR)
Disabled Man Assaulted In Park

Hot Springs rangers are searching for the assailants who attacked a physically disabled 22-year-old Arkansas man on the evening of February 16th and are also investigating the possibility of this being considered a hate crime due to the nature of the attack. According to the victim, who was seriously injured in the unprovoked assault, he had just began walking on the Promenade behind the Fordyce Visitor Center when he was accosted by three unknown men who approached him and began to harass him. He felt a concern for his safety and attempted to leave the area, but was immediately attacked by the trio, thrown down, and knocked unconscious. When he awoke, he realized that he had also been robbed. The man's assailants fled the scene. Injured and dazed, he then made his way to the security office at Arkansas Career Training Institute. The park was notified and ranger Andy Griggs arrived on scene within minutes of getting the radio call. The victim was then transported to St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital for treatment of his injuries, which consisted of broken bones, a concussion, a broken nose, bruised ribs, and abrasions. The US Attorney's office has pledged full support for prosecuting the suspects in federal court if located. They will face felony assault charges, plus the possibility of being charged with a federal hate crime. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for their arrest and conviction. Rangers have been canvassing the area in search of possible witnesses.