Document text
Police close to end in hate case Plan to hand file to D.A. next week Ashland police investigating an alleged hate crime against three gay men say they'll hand their case file to the district attorney early next week. Debbie Minder, a Jackson County deputy district attorney, kicked the case back to Ashland police after finding insufficient evidence to file charges against a 23-year-old Southern Oregon University student arrested for assaulting the three men April 3. Ashland police charged Michael Susee, a former SOU football player, with fourth-degree assault and second-degree intimidation, a charge associated with hate crimes. Susee assaulted the three men because he believed they were homosexuals, according to officers. The incident apparently was rooted in an altercation on the dance floor at Kat Wok, an eatery and nightclub at 62 E. Main St. Ashland police said they were considering arresting a second individual. They have declined to name that person. Although Ashland police expected to wrap up the investigation before Friday, Capt. Lisa Brooks said officers had additional witnesses to interview on the weekend. Brooks said investigators are expected to forward their report to the D.A. on Monday. The district attorney's office is expected to review the case to determine whether to prosecute Susee or make further arrests. Gay advocates, Kat Wok managers and SOU officials have all decried the incident, calling for increased tolerance within the community. At SOU, students and community members are invited to attend a series of workshops set to provide training in diversity and conflict resolution. For more information on the workshops, call 552-8334. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA