Sedro-Woolley man charged with hate crime after downtown Bellingham altercation
A Sedro-Woolley man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly assaulting someone in Bellingham.
Court records show that Tanner Eugene Smith, 24, was discussing politics with a stranger on the 200 block of E. Chestnut Street at about 2:25 a.m. on May 17. The conversation escalated into an argument, according to court records, and Smith called the stranger homophobic and transphobic slurs.
Smith then punched the person in the face, causing them to fall over, hit a wooden pillar and fall to the ground. When officers arrived, they saw the person’s face was red and swollen.
Smith told police that the person he allegedly assaulted knocked his hat off while they were discussing political beliefs, making him believe he had been assaulted. He said he punched them in the face in self-defense.
Smith was booked into Whatcom County Jail on charges of a hate crime and fourth-degree assault. He pleaded not guilty to both, and was released from custody on May 18 after posting $250 cash bail.
A no-contact order between Smith and the person he’s charged with assaulting is in effect. His review hearing is scheduled for June 2.