Juvenile charged with assault, ethnic intimidation in Steve Utash beating

16-year-old is among 5 suspects in case of driver beaten by mob in Detroit

DETROIT – A 16-year-old has been charged with assault and ethnic intimidation in connection with the beating of Steve Utash.

The teen, who is in custody as a juvenile, will appear at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center on Saturday for a hearing. Ethnic intimidation is commonly referred to as a hate crime.

View: Michigan Legislature's definition of ethnic intimidation

The teen is one of five suspects who have been charged in the case.

Police said 54-year-old Utash accidentally hit 10-year-old David Harris on April 2 while driving on Morang Street near Balfour Street. Police said the boy stepped out in front of the pickup and Utash wasn't at fault -- but when Utash stopped and got out to check on the boy, police said he was beaten by a mob, as many as 10 or 12 people.

Read: Family of driver beaten by mob meet woman who saved him

Utash remains in critical condition.

Wonzey Saffold, 30, and 24-year-old James Davis are charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and 17-year-old Bruce Wimbush Jr., is facing the same charges. Latrez Cummings, 19, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He also is charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

Complete coverage: Driver beaten by mob in Detroit

'Night of Healing' held Thursday night

Ministers came together to sponsor a "Night of Healing" Thursday night at the Historic Little Rock Baptist Church.

Like so many, Rev. Jim Holley was appalled by what he saw unfolding on his TV screen when the images of Utash being attacked emerged.

"I was embarrassed and just overwhelmed by it," said Holley. "This is a defining moment for Detroit."

The family of Steve Utash was there. Mayor Mike Duggan, who has met privately with the Utash family, also attended.

"This community is completely behind the Utash family. Spending time with them, I know they feel the outpouring of support," said Duggan.

Debra Hughes, the retired nurse who stepped in to save Utash, was honored for her courage and humbly thanked the crowd.

Local 4's Chuck Gaidica was asked to give a prayer as well.

"I think it's valuable for our city that we come together," said Holley.


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