Sussex Pride responds to hate crime incident in Rehoboth Beach
By REHOBOTH BEACH — Upon learning of the six individuals, five juveniles and Jerome Charleston, 21, of Bridgeville, were facing hate crime charges following an incident early Saturday Morning, Sussex Pride issued a statement.
“We want to thank the Rehoboth Police Department for their quick response to this crime, and for their use of the hate crime statute,” David Mariner, executive director, said in a release. “It is important to acknowledge the role hate plays, and the impact it has on our community.”
Rehoboth Beach Police allege five unidentified juveniles from Rehoboth Beach exited a car operated by Mr. Charleston, approaching three women, accosting them and ultimately firing an Airsoft gun at them.
These guns fire plastic pellets, can cause serious injury, and depending on the model, look like their more lethal cousins.
After firing, the youths fled the scene, but were later picked up by Dewey Beach police and arrested without incident, according to police.
“We have seen a clear pattern in the past four presidential campaign cycles. The number of reported hate crimes always increases during these periods,” Mr. Mariner said.
For more information on reporting hate bias or violence visit: sussexpride.org/posts/reporthate. Contact the Delaware Anti-Violence Project works to reduce violence against LGBTQ individuals and to support LGBTQ survivors in Delaware. For more information visit sussexpride.org/antiviolence.
