IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities have determined an altercation in May 2016 involving a black University of Iowa freshman does not meet the criteria for a hate crime.
Student Marcus Owens reported he was assaulted May 1 in an alley near several bars and restaurants by white men who called him racial slurs.
Authorities reviewed surveillance video and talked to witnesses, and police issued a statement Monday night, May 16, 2016 detailing the evidence. It says Owens was involved in multiple confrontations at a bar and staff removed him from the area.
Witnesses reported one person used a racial slur, but police say the FBI determined the incident didn’t “meet the criteria necessary” to be considered a hate crime.
The statement says no charges are anticipated.
Owens and his family said in a letter released by the department that his account was inconsistent partly due to alcohol being involved.
