‘Hate crime’ strikes Gilbertsville
By Rebecca Erdman

Police are determined to find the suspect that attempted to light a cross at a family’s home in Gilbertsville, on Oct. 30, Saturday evening.

An African-American family was the target of an apparent hate crime, and according to police this was not the first time.

“The family had been the victims of hate crime incidents in the past, but this is the most severe,” said Douglass (Montg.) Township Detective Dirk Boughter. “We are going to use all the witnesses we can; we’re asking for help from all departments and the community in general,” Detective Boughter said.

Boughter stated that the F.B.I. and the State Police are assisting the investigation.

Boughter gave this account:

At approximately 8:30 p.m., a white male, approximately 5’10,” medium to heavy build, in his late teens or early twenties with a shaved head, was attempting to light a cross in front of the residents’ home, on Hawthorne Avenue, Gilbertsville. The suspect was caught by a neighbor, in the act of lighting the cross doused in kerosene, and approximately two inches were burned. There was a threat of a gun, but no physical harm was done to the neighbor.

Boughter described the vehicle as:

A Ford Bronco, late 80s or early 90s, full size, green in color, with a tan top, and silver paneling on the side.

The crime has not only shocked the family but the Boyertown Area Unity Coalition, as well.

“It’s very sad these events could occur in the 21st century,” said Louise Doskow, a member of the Boyertown Area Unity Coalition. “If you or anyone you know has been the target of hate or intolerance we offer support,” she said.

Victims of hate crime can call 610-781-1455 or visit the Coalition website at:

www.boyertownunitycoalition.org.

The Coalition is a grassroots organization that takes an active position in the community to promote diversity, tolerance, and equality through nonviolence. We act together to resist intimidation and bigotry in all its form.

Please send comments to

rerdman@berksmontnews.com.