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Series Of Downtown Attacks Concern Police

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Sep 4, 2009 1:58 pm US/Mountain

Series Of Downtown Attacks Concern Police

DENVER (CBS4) ― Police in Denver are investigating a series of attacks that may be racially motivated. If linked, the crimes could harm the city's carefully cultivated image of a safe and vibrant downtown.

Officers say victims have reported 14 assaults or robberies mostly in the Lower Downtown area. Specifically, it's an area bordered by Downing and the Platte River from 13th to 30th Avenues.

Witnesses have also told police about four other incidents, but so no far no victims in those incidents have come forward.

Authorities didn't release details about the attacks until CBS4 inquired about the matter on Thursday because they said they have been trying to establish a pattern for the crimes.

Detectives acknowledge that all the victims have been either white or Hispanic and that the suspects have been black. The attacks have generally happened between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. -- a time when people leave bars and sporting events in LoDo.

Both women and men appear to have been attacked.

One man told CBS4 that he was a victim of one of the attacks. He said he heard a female voice saying "Get that white boy" numerous times. He said he was beaten and his wallet taken.

"We are always looking at any case to see what the motivation is and we don't know what the motive (is) right now for these cases," said Sonny Jackson, Denver police spokesman.

Denver police have sent extra patrols and undercover teams to the area. Surveillance is under way to try to catch those responsible.

Police said they currently view the 18 attacks as common street crimes and not ones that are based on the color of the victims' skin.

When asked whether the attacks are being investigated as possible hate crimes, Jackson said "We always look at the possibilities, but for right now, these are assaults and robberies. If the (district attorney) wants to amend something else such as hate crimes, that's up to them."

Police warn people to only walk along busy, well-lit streets in downtown. They say that if you are followed, you should run quickly in the opposite direction.

Sources told CBS4 the SWAT Team, plain clothes officers and specialized crime teams will be brought in from around the country to help with the investigation.




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