A man is facing charges for a hate crime and assaulting a child after police said he punched an 11-year-old Black student in the face during a school field trip.

Bellingham police said it's clear from video of the incident and statements made during and after the assault that the student was being targeted because of his race.

Police arrested 42-year-old Paul Bittner who is now facing charges for a hate crime and assaulting a child.
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For more on the lead story: https://komonews.com/news/local/bellingham-police-investigate-hate-crime-after-black-student-attacked-during-school-trip-assault-crime-criminial-activity-curt-charges-targeted-attack-whatcom-middle-school-field-trip-arrest-racism-community-incident#
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