DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say three white men attacked a black man in Des Moines and that one of the assailants made racist comments.
The Des Moines register reports that police said in a news release that the attack happened around 3:25 a.m. Saturday as the man was headed to his girlfriend’s house.
The victim, who has not been identified, was transported to a hospital with what police described as significant, non-life-threatening injuries to the left side of his face, eye and hands. Court documents said the man did not know his attackers.
“The victim indicated that he thought it was a case of mistaken identity,” police Sgt. Paul Parizek said. “Bottom line for us is that he was hurt bad, and we want to find the people responsible. We need to find them before we can determine a motive.”
Tyia Campbell, 40, was in an apartment nearby celebrating a friend’s birthday when she heard the victim screaming for help outside. Campbell and her friends went to see what was going on and discovered the victim badly beaten.
“He was bloody, he said he couldn’t breathe and thought he was dying,” Campbell said.
The suspects have not been located as of Saturday afternoon.
