DES MOINES, Iowa - The Des Moines NAACP and the family of a 22-year-old man are calling a weekend assault on him racially motivated.
Darquan Jones appeared in public for the first time since his Saturday beating at a news conference held by the NAACP Tuesday afternoon
He suffered facial fractures, a broken nose and a broken arm in the attack from what he calls three white men, including one who expressed racial slurs. “I just want to know why did it have to be this brutal, why did it have to go this far? Where my life was almost taken? Like why?” said DarQuan.
Des Moines NAACP President Kameron Middlebrooks wants the assault investigated as a hate crime. Des Moines Police say they have to establish a motive before deciding on charges. No one's been arrested. Police are urging the public to call Crime Stoppers with any information.
A Cash App fund has been established for DarQuan to help with expenses. He's currently unable to work at his job at O’Reilly Auto Parts.
Darquan says he was walking to his girlfriend's house when he was attacked overnight Saturday morning near 52nd and South Union streets in south Des Moines.
(Image courtesy of WHO-TV)