Ohio hit-and-run
not motivated by homophobia

A county official has concluded that a hit-and-run attack on a North Baltimore, Ohio, teenager was not motivated by hate. Wood County juvenile prosecutor Tim Atkins explained in an interview with WTOL TV that he did not believe homophobia or racism factored into the attack.

Last month Tori Hamilton, a student at North Baltimore High School, was struck by a car outside his home. He was taken by air ambulance to Toledo for treatment and has now fully recovered from the attack. Tori, who is African-American and gay, was thought to be the victim of a hate crime.

The 17-year-old North Baltimore teenager who committed the crime is being charged with vehicular assault and driving with a suspended license. A hearing is scheduled for next week. (The Advocate)