PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man has pleaded guilty to assault and hate crime charges in connection with a racist attack on a Black food truck owner. On Friday, Daniel Thomas Warren, 40, admitted to the charges stemming from an incident in July where he assaulted Darell Preston, the owner of LoRell’s Chicken Shack.
Security footage captured the horrifying attack, showing Warren approaching Preston from behind and launching a violent assault while shouting racial slurs. The assault left Preston severely injured, and a cellphone video captured Warren casually walking away after stomping on the victim.
What happened to me, I wouldn’t have dreamed of in my darkest nightmare, Preston expressed. But what I’ve come to realize and truly believe, is that what doesn’t kill you truly makes you stronger — if not stronger, well at least more determined. Because of this, I am more determined to succeed than I have ever been before.
Warren was initially identified as the suspect by the Portland Police Bureau in June, and he was subsequently apprehended and charged. He has pleaded guilty to third-degree assault and no contest to first-degree bias crime, which is Oregon’s equivalent of a hate crime. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office stated that Warren’s sentencing is scheduled for later this month.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Warren has faced assault charges in Oregon. He has an extensive criminal history that includes multiple charges of assault, coercion, harassment, and even strangulation.
This hate crime attack has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of racial violence and discrimination in the Portland community. The guilty plea serves as a step towards justice for Preston and a reminder that hate crimes will not be tolerated.
The legal proceedings surrounding this case shed light on the importance of addressing hate crimes and implementing measures to prevent them. By punishing individuals responsible for such acts, it sends a strong message that acts of hatred and violence will not be tolerated.
As the community reflects on this disturbing incident, it is crucial to stand in solidarity with victims of hate crimes and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.
The sentencing of Daniel Thomas Warren later this month will mark an important moment for the pursuit of justice and a step towards healing in the aftermath of this heinous hate crime attack
