TUKWILA, Wash. (AP) - Four teens have been arrested on investigation of assault and hate-crime charges after authorities say they beat a legally blind, transgender woman who had pepper-sprayed them as she exited a Metro bus in Tukwila, Washington.
The King County Sheriff’s Office says the woman was riding at the front of the bus around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday when the teens made objectionable comments to her. The Seattle Times reports the exact nature of the comments was not immediately known.
Authorities say when the bus stopped the woman walked to the bus’ back exit and pepper-sprayed the four teens before leaping off the bus.
The teens followed, and police say they beat the woman, kicking and punching her and calling her derogatory names based on her gender identity. Authorities say it is unlikely the woman will be charged for the use of pepper spray.
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