DENVER – Police in Denver released images of two men who are accused of attacking a black South High School student, who – according to district officials -- was targeted because of his race last week.
Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the two men, captured on surveillance cameras on the RTD bus, who they say are wanted for the Wednesday assault.
Police declined to label the incident a racially-motivated crime, however DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg said the suspects hurled racial slurs toward the student before the teen was physically attacked.
Bus passengers,including several DPS students, quickly intervened, defending the student, according to witness accounts. Soon after, the bus driver pulled over, prompting the suspects to leave the bus in the 1500 block of East Louisiana Avenue.
The extent of the victim’s injuries is not known, however he did make it back to school the next day, Boasberg noted. Witnesses told police the older men singled out the black student based solely on race.
The suspects are described as white and Hispanic men between the ages of 35-40. One man was wearing a green shirt with a Steelers cap. The other suspect had on a white T-shirt with a San Francisco Giants cap on.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP(7867) or text: DMCS plus your message to 274637.
School authorities say they're working with police to ensure the safety of the students and to investigate the attack. According to police, RTD already committed to placing additional security on the bus route.