About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Albany Police by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Albany Police to your Twitter account or create one.
@albanyorpd
On April 13, 2021 at approximately 1757 hours a 13-year-old male juvenile was assaulted by four 16- year-old male juveniles and one 15-year-old female juvenile. The incident took place at Swanson Park, located at 712 Jackson Street SE in Albany.
At this time the female juvenile and one of the four male juveniles have been arrested. Both have been lodged at the Linn Benton Juvenile Detention Center. The female was lodged on the following charges: Assault in the Third Degree, Coercion, Criminal Conspiracy and Bias Crime in the Second Degree. The male was lodged on the following charges: Assault in the Third Degree, Criminal Conspiracy and Bias Crime in the First Degree.
Albany Police Department Detectives are continuing the investigation and the other three juvenile males involved are still outstanding. Detectives are seeking information on an unknown female driver of a vehicle involved in the incident.
The Albany Police Department would like to acknowledge the Greater Albany Public Schools for their support in the investigation and their support of the families involved.
Chief Marcia Harnden states “This crime shows the ugliness of hate that exists in our society today and has no place in the City of Albany or any community. I ask our community and especially the parents of our kids to have honest discussions about treating others with dignity and respect. This incident started over hate speech and escalated when the victim stood up against that speech. Racism and hate is learned and not inherent in our DNA. We need to have honest community discussions around combating hate and their related crimes in all forms. We need to embrace acceptance and to prevent acts of racism in our society. Thank you to the numerous staff at the Albany Police Department and our community partners for making this case a priority.”
The victims were referred to the Oregon Department of Justice Bias Report and Support System. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call Albany Police Department Detective Lee Phelps at 541-791-0227.
***