Lexington, Ky. – A local man is facing criminal charges after police say he attacked a Muslim woman in a public area and threatened her life. The incident occurred on August 11 near the intersection of Nicholasville Road and Farm Road, a busy corridor in Fayette County.
Details of the alleged assault
According to the Lexington Police Department, the victim was walking to her car after completing a shift at the University of Kentucky Hospital. While she was on the sidewalk, Damian Hisle approached her, got close enough to be in her personal space, and then spat directly into her face.
After the act, the assailant is reported to have said, “That’s what I think of you people,” before adding a death threat. The victim was wearing a hijab at the time, indicating her Muslim faith.
Investigation and arrest
Police investigators used video footage supplied by the victim and the UK Police Department to identify Hisle. The video showed the confrontation and captured the verbal threats. Following the identification, officers located Hisle and placed him under arrest.
Hisle now faces two felony counts: harassment with physical contact and terroristic threatening. Both charges carry significant penalties under Kentucky law.
Court appearance and bond
Hisle appeared before a Fayette County judge on Monday afternoon. The judge set his bond at $5,000, which the defendant posted, resulting in his release from the Lexington jail.
The case will proceed through the state court system, and the victim’s identity has been protected in accordance with standard practice for hate‑crime victims.
Community response
Local leaders and community members have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for respect and safety for all residents, regardless of faith. The Lexington Police Department reiterated its commitment to investigating hate‑motivated crimes thoroughly and encouraging anyone who witnesses similar behavior to report it promptly.
Authorities also reminded the public that Kentucky law treats threats of violence and acts of harassment as serious offenses, especially when motivated by bias against a protected class such as religion.
Legal context
Kentucky statutes define terroristic threatening as a willful threat to commit violence that would cause terror in the victim or the public. Harassment with physical contact involves intentional, unwanted physical contact that causes alarm or distress. Both offenses are prosecutable as felonies, reflecting the state’s stance against hate‑based intimidation.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about hate crimes across the United States and highlights the importance of local law‑enforcement agencies in addressing such incidents swiftly.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
