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RPD makes arrest in hate crime investigation

Rochester Police have made an arrest in connection with a recent hate crime investigation.

On Monday, police said that they have charged 24-year-old Rashad Turner of the city with second-degree assault as a hate crime.

The incident happened on July 31 in the 100 block of Denver Street. City officers meet with the victim, a 30-year-old transgender man, who told police he was harassed based upon his sexual orientation and that at least one suspect punched him twice, leaving him unconious.

The victim was treated at Rochester General for head and facial injuries and required surgery.

After the reported attack, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Police hate crime task force to also investigate.

Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott requested Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley work with Rochester plice to ensure the incident is investigated and prosecuted as a hate crime. Doorley had said earlier that her office intends to, and that charges will be decided based on the evidence collected.

Police Chief La’Ron Singletary had said  earlier that “The Rochester Police Department has no tolerance for any crime committed against a citizen of this community, let alone a crime that is committed because of an individual’s identity.”

And Cuomo has said that in New York there is no place for individuals to fear for their safety based on who they are, who they love, or how they look.

Mayor Lovely Warren issued a statement on Monday saying that, “Every citizen of Rochester deserves to be able to walk down the street in peace and safety. The recent vicious attack that occurred on a transgender resident of our city was particularly deplorable, not just because of its violent nature, but because it was rooted in hate. There is no place in our city for any type of violence, but violent, hate-driven crimes are particularly abhorrent and unacceptable."

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.