Police release sketch of hate crime suspect

YouNews™

Story Published: Oct 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:49 AM PST

By Stephanie Smith

Watch the video

PULLMAN - The search continues for a man wanted in connection to possible hate crime in Pullman.

"Statistically we are about right on the mark right now," said WSU Police Chief Bill Gardener Thursday. "The thing that has been significant about our assaults over the last couple weeks has been the motivation and we've found that we've had at least two, possibly more assaults motivated by a gender bias or a identity bias."

Police said there have been four incidents this month, three of which were physical assaults. The other was a verbal assault at an downtown ATM.

Police released a sketch in connection with the ATM assault. But police aren't ruling out that all the incidents could be connected.

"We don’t know at this point if there is a connection between that particular assault and our assaults on campus, the possibility is certainly there, but we're not certain," said Gardener.

Gardener said they are stepping up patrols on campus.

"We have tripled our presence on campus, using our interns who are volunteer, well-trained and adjunct to our law enforcement here on campus," said Gardener.

Police are encouraging students and others on campus to take extra precautions.

"I think that there is probably safety in numbers," said Gardener. "If you don't have to walk at night, design your life around walking at night, if you can. If you can't, we have some options for rides. Women's Transit is open for use. We also have our Cougar security force on campus that gives escorts. So those are good options if you have to walk alone at night."

Gardener said they want to hear from anyone with information about the attacks.

"The more information we get, the faster we get it, the more departments on campus that can share information, the better likelihood of catching somebody on a crime like this," said Gardener.

If you have information about any of the Pullman assaults, call police at either 509-334-0802 or 509-335-8548. .

Current Weather

Current Temp 51 °F

Fair

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.