Police Investigate Alleged Hate Crime Against Middle School Student in Bellingham

Bellingham Police Car in 2015Photo byPublic Domain

BELLINGHAM, WA – According to a summary from a BMN Inquiry, the Bellingham Police Department is investigating an alleged hate crime that occurred on June 12, 2024.

According to the BPD Summary, A group of middle school students and school staff were walking on the sidewalk in the 500 block of Grand Avenue when Mr. Paul Bittner, who was walking in the street on the opposite side of the roadway, crossed and integrated himself into the group. Without warning, Bittner allegedly turned and pushed a student, then made a comment similar to, “Are you gonna talk to a White man like that?”, and allegedly struck a child in the face with a closed fist.

School staff, who witnessed the assault, immediately intervened and summoned law enforcement by both calling dispatch and going to the front door of the nearby Bellingham Police Department. They secured the child and rushed him away from the assailant. The child, described as a pre-teen of color, did not know Bittner and had no prior interactions with him.

BPD officers, provided with a good description of the assailant, found Bittner nearby. During his interview, Bittner reportedly used derogatory language regarding African Americans and allegedly made a statement indicating people should assault them. Officers established probable cause to arrest Bittner for Malicious Harassment (Hate Crime) and Assault of a Child in the second degree.

Initial Activity Report: Jun 12, 2024, 1:29 PM 500 BLK GRAND AVE MALICIOUS HARASSMENT - HATE CRIME Case #24B33138

"Officers responded to the assault, which occurred directly in front of the BPD Station. Paul Jonathan Bittner, age 42, was arrested for Malicious Harassment (Hate Crime) and Assault of a Child in the second degree.

Arrested: BITTNER, PAUL JONATHAN, Age: 42 (DOB: Sep 28, 1981)"

Legal Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you are a victim of a hate crime, it's important to seek help immediately. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Call 911: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 to get emergency assistance from the police.
2. Local Police Department: Report the incident to your local police department. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the incident.
3. Hate Crime Hotline: Many areas have specific hotlines for reporting hate crimes. For example, in the U.S., you can contact the FBI's hate crime division at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).