Ohio (The Gaslamp Post) – He was punched in the head, kicked in the chest, thrown to the ground, and repeatedly kicked and stomped. As the 78-year-old man pleaded with his attackers for his life, the only thing he received in return were shouts of; “[Get] that white [man]. This is for Trayvon … Trayvon lives, white [man]. Kill that white [man],” according to Toledo police.
78-year-old Dallas Watts demonstrates how he was grabbed from behind. Photo Lori King-Toledo Blade
Mr. Dallas Watts, a man who served his country in the military during the 50′s and 60′s, and who refused to raise his children with violence, even to go as far as to refuse them games like cops and robbers, said that the experience has changed his perspective on humanity.
Watts told the Toledo Blade that he was walking home from a gas station at around 4:45 pm, on March 31, 2012, carrying home pork rinds that he had purchased for his three dachshunds. He said that he was approached by a group of juveniles, some he described as black, others, white, and was immediately surrounded. “Why you picking on me?” Mr. Watts said he asked the young men. “Remember Trayvon. Why you picking on me?”
Immediately after asking that, one of the young men yelled, “take him down,” and that is when the vicious attack on the frail old man ensued. Six feral animals in all; ranging in ages from 11 to 17, mercilessly beat the elderly man almost to death. After the initial blow to the back of his head, Watts recounted that he was picked up off of the ground from behind, so as to allow one of the other young men to kick him in the chest, and then body slammed onto the ground. As he pleaded with them, he said that one of them put their foot on his neck.
Mr. Watts shows an injury he sustained in his brutal attack by 6 juveniles on March 31, 2012. Photo: Lori King-Toledo Blade
The beating went on for several minutes, until customers from the nearby gas station who saw what was happening, yelled and came to the senior citizen’s defense. Watts attackers immediately fled the scene, taking with them the pork rinds.
Police have the young men, who are being refered to as “children,” in custody. Two of them, an 11-year-old and a 17-year-old, are being charged as adults with robbery. The unidentified 17-year-old was charged with felonious assault, for an unrelated shooting of another person, on March 18.
“It’s still up in the air who started the verbal confrontation,” said Toledo Police Sergeant Kennedy. Investigators are still trying to determine if the attack was indeed motivated by the Trayvon Martin case, or if Watts statement, “remember Trayvon,” was taken as racist. This incident occurred mere hours after a rally was held nearby, in support of Trayvon Martin. The option is not even been considered as to whether or not this would be considered a hate crime.
“The only reason I mentioned Trayvon, that was my defense,” Mr. Watts said. “Don’t pick on me. I am not your enemy.”
Watts said that he intends to purchase a gun and obtain a permit to legally carry it. Question for you America; if this elderly man shoots his attacker after this incident, would it be considered racist if his assailant is black? When does the foolishness end?
(h/t: Toledo Blade, The Blaze, Drudge Report)
Related content: http://gaslamppost.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/white-teenager-set-on-fire-by-black-teenagers-why-is-it-not-a-hate-crime-if-the-perps-are-black/
Adam
April 6, 2012
Even if the old man is justified in shooting his assailant, the race card will always be played, sadly. Because of past racially motivated attacks against African-Americans, in most cases involving a caucasian and an African-American, even if it isn’t outright racially motivated, the “race” card always is a huge factor. If he shoots his attacker, and his assailant is black, the attacker will be victimized. The old man would most likely be condemned or excessive force.
the gaslamp post
April 7, 2012
Hi Adam, thanks for posting! As much as it dissapoints me to admit it, I think you’re right. What you said right there should horrify everyone; your right to defend yourself and protect your life, takes a back seat to a legislated and legally protected, perpetrator.
Even when you shoot an intruder in YOUR OWN HOME, they want to cry, “racism.” This exact thing happened a few weeks ago over in Wisconsin:
http://gaslamppost.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/readers-choice-homeowner-kills-intruder-public-once-again-blaming-shooter-and-claiming-racism/