Springfield (KMTR) - Four people are facing charges, accused of chasing and threatening a 15 year old Springfield boy because of the color of his skin.
Investigators say the teenage African American male was in the area of 5th and South A Street on May 28th, waiting for his mom to pick him up.
The victim told police an older yellow pick-up passed by slowly with four occupants, including one male in the bed of the truck which was also flying a Confederate flag.
The victim tells police the truck circled the block and passed again, this time the occupants were yelling racial slurs, and threatening to hurt him.
He told police that he tried to walk away, but, was chased into a gravel parking lot where the driver tried to run him over. The suspects allegedly chased him on foot, but he was able to hide until he saw his mom, then escaped, and reported the incident to police.
Springfield Police Officer Ethan Spencer identified the suspects and possible locations for them.
On Thursday, May 31st, police arrested a 17 year old male, and a 16 year old male. Two days later police arrested the driver of the truck, 22 year old Matthew Booster, and another 17 year old female.
in Albany.
Springfield mayor Christine Lundberg says there is no place for this type of behavior in Springfield or any city. "Perpetrators of crimes of intimidation should be put on notice if they commit these acts in Springfield, our police department will track them down and they will spend time in the Springfield jail."
Mayor Lundberg says her thoughts are with the victim and his family. She also applauded the police department and Officer Spencer for the quick investigation and arrest of the four suspects.
Mayor Lundberg hopes this sends a message to others who support this type of racial intimidation. "We will continue to make life difficult for people who commit crimes of hatred in Springfield."
The juveniles were released in the custody of their parents and Booster was lodged at Springfield Municipal Jail.
