Man attacks Asian father and 5-year-old daughter in suspected hate crime

Jul 6

Last Saturday around 3:45p, an Asian American family was riding bikes along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Oregon when the 36-year-old father and 5-year-old daughter were attacked. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Dylan J. Kesterson, allegedly approached the victims and began punching them because he perceived them to be of Japanese descent.

The Portland Police Bureau released a statement saying, “Officers contacted the victims, a 36-year-old man from California and his 5-year-old daughter, and learned that they were hurt but they did not require immediate medical attention. Officers learned that the man was riding bikes with his wife and daughter when the suspect approached, made comments about his perception that they were of Japanese descent, and began punching the man in his head. The suspect then punched the 5-year-old girl in her bike helmet numerous times. Nearby witnesses quickly intervened and the suspect began walking away. Several witnesses remained at the scene and provided statements to investigating officers.”

Police then found and arrested Kesterson and booked him into the Multnomah County Jail on one count of first-degree bias crime, and two counts of second-degree bias crime. But jail records show Kesterson was released from custody the same day he was arrested.

Speaking to KOIN 6, Portland City Commissioner Mingus Mapps said, “A bias attack on a father and 5-year-old is horrific and unacceptable. My heart goes out to the family. We have got to bring back public safety in this town. I appreciate the work of the Portland Police Bureau in arresting this individual. I am concerned that he was released from jail the same day he was arrested.”

Yesterday, Multnomah County District Attorney announced seven charges against Kesterson in a statement saying, Kesterson “has been charged with Attempted Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, two counts of Bias Crime in the First Degree, Attempted Assault in the Third Degree, Bias Crime in the Second Degree and Harassment.” The DA is requesting that Kesterson be returned to custody and held without bail.