Hate Crimes Terrorize Motorist In Manassas: Police

MANASSAS, VA—"Go back to your country!"

"You don't belong here."

A 35-year-old man of Middle Eastern heritage heard those and other things screamed at him after being cut off and then forced to stop by two men in another vehicle Monday afternoon in the area of Ashton Avenue near Sudley Manor Drive, according to Prince William County Police.

Then the younger of the two men got out of their truck and approached the man before grabbing and assaulting him. The victim then fled and drove onto Interstate 66 where he pulled into a rest area/welcome and contacted police, who he provided with the suspects' license number.

That led to the arrest two days later of Jimmy Lynn Greer, 56, of the 10900 block of Balls Ford Road in Manassas; and Dustin David Greer, 25, of the 5000 block of Free State Road in Marshall. Both were charged with hate crimes and assault and battery, and the elder Greer also was charged with reckless driving.

Detectives investigating the case believe the man was targeted because of his looks—specifically, his "Middle Eastern national orgin." So they obtained warrants for assault and battery with a hate crime enhancement. They were found and arrested without incident Wednesday at a Manassas hotel, and due to appear in court June 12.

Photo: Prince William County Police