Police Investigate Hate-Based Assault in Rockville

Rockville District police officers are investigating the hate-based assault of a man speaking Arabic on Sunday, Montgomery County police said in a statement.

The man was walking down the sidewalk with his wife on Rollins Avenue near East Jefferson Street about 2:15 p.m., the statement said. The two were conversing in Arabic when they passed another man standing on the sidewalk.

That man made derogatory remarks to the couple regarding Muslims and then threatened and assaulted the husband, police said.

The man then ran away toward Rockville Pike and the victims called police.

The husband suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment, police said. No weapon was used during the assault.

Officer Rick Goodale said Monday there was no indication that the attack was related to the events in Charlottesville, Va., over the weekend.

The man is described as about 37 to 43 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall, and with a muscular build. He was wearing a black vest over a white t-shirt and blue jeans, police said.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect is asked to call the 1st District Investigative Section at 240-773-6084. Callers may remain anonymous.

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