#2026-156040/North Precinct/First Watch/N3:
At 0942 hours, officers were dispatched to a report of an assault in the 9500 block of Aurora Ave N. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim who reported they were assaulted by a suspect. A front tooth was knocked out as a result of the assault. The victim reported to officers that the initial contact started with the suspect asking them, “What is that?” The victim inquired about what they meant, the suspect repeated himself and then punched the victim in the face with a closed fist while calling them a disparaging remark regarding their gender identity. The victim believes that they were targeted because of their gender identity. The victim tried to get away, but the suspect pursued them a short distance and continued the assault. The victim was treated by medics and ultimately went to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment. Officers conducted a thorough investigation on scene and RTCC had video that captured the assault. All evidence was uploaded to evidence.com. The suspect was reported to have fled the scene on a King County Metro Coach. Officers located the coach in Shoreline, but the suspect was not present. KCSO was notified of the suspect description and that probable cause existed for investigation of a hate crime. The suspect was with a female and a medium sized dog. The female is not being considered a suspect but likely has information on the perpetrator.