When a black man spotted two white children, he slowly pulled up behind them before deliberately speeding up and mowing them down. However, although he intentionally tried to harm the boys, many were outraged to learn that he would not be charged with a hate crime.
As Oghaleoghene Atunu, a 21-year-old Colorado resident, drove down a suburban street, he spotted a trio of 11- and 12-year-old boys walking home from school. Oddly, the Aurora man began to circle the area before slowly getting behind the children as if following them. Without warning or provocation, Atunu suddenly did the unthinkable.
After slowing down while following the young boys, Atunu hit the gas, jumped the curb and mowed down two of the three children before fleeing, according to KDVR. One of the victims, Josh Piazza, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Fortunately, the second victim escaped with minor injuries.
Ominously, surveillance video shows Atunu noticing his victims and circling the area as if to find the best way to create the most damage. However, Although investigators and the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the accident was intentional, many were stunned to learn that Atunu would not face a hate crime charge. Thanks to information from a local citizen, Atunu was quickly identified by his 2004 Buick Rendezvous and arrested.
Although he did not face a hate crime charge, he was subsequently charged with 15 counts, including 3 counts of attempted first degree murder; 2 counts of attempted first degree assault; 2 counts of child abuse; 1 count of first degree assault; 1 count of failure to be present at the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury; 1 count of road assault; 1 count of failure to notify police of an accident; 1 count of hit and run; 1 count of reckless driving; 1 count of driving a vehicle with an expired driver’s license; and 1 count of failure to obey/ignore a traffic control device.
Despite footage of his behavior leading up to the incident, Atunu maintains he lost control of his vehicle and hit the children, according to 9 News. He claims he then became frightened and fled the scene.
“This case is a great example of the incredible skill and tireless determination our members demonstrate every day to ensure Colorado is as safe as possible,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Matthew Packard. “Without doubt, everyone involved in this investigation is working to ensure that the demands of justice are met. »
Some say there is no evidence that Atunu targeted the boys because of their skin color. However, others insist it is a matter of consistency, arguing that if the races were reversed it would automatically be considered a racial hate crime. They also claimed that the media provided biased coverage.
- “Never have the same coverage. Maybe get 16 hours of community service,” one Twitter user wrote.
- “If the races were reversed. This would make national headlines,” commented another.
America has become deeply divided politically, religiously, and especially racially. The media strives to pit one color against another, promoting the fallacy that having a certain type of genetics makes one a perpetual oppressor or victim. Unfortunately, this causes us to automatically demonize one race over another, often allowing true racists of all colors to escape accountability.
For now, Atunu faces 15 charges that will hopefully earn him a lengthy prison sentence. Unfortunately, we may never know exactly why this monster tried to harm three innocent children. But maybe knowing he’s locked in a prison cell will bring us all some comfort.
#FULL #STORY #Black #Man #Close #White #Boys #Won’t #Charged #Hate #Crime
#Black #Man #Mows #White #Boys #Wont #Charged #Hate #Crime
