The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has charged a man for an alleged hate crime attack of a Lyft driver in Houston.
The incident happened on the morning of July 21 on the Northwest Freeway.
According to prosecutors, Matthew W. Dunn, 39, caused bodily injury to a driver who is Middle Eastern.
Dunn faces enhanced punishment for allegedly assaulting a person based on prejudice against a group identified by race, religion or national origin, under Texas law.
“We came through Harvey because of the cooperation of our diverse communities and their willingness to help each other without regard to race, creed or color,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “A hate crime unleashes fear in an entire community.”
Dunn was a passenger in the Lyft vehicle and is accused of berating the driver over his background and religion, then grabbing the driver by the hair, punching and choking him.
Dunn faces a minimum of 180 days in jail if convicted of Class A assault and a hate crime.
Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information on Dunn’s whereabouts. Call 713-222-TIPS.
