Vietnam Immigrant Charged in Hate Crime Shootings

Charges against a man who was arrested in connection with the shooting of random motorists in the Dallas area will be filed as hate crimes. Authorities said Thai-An Huu Nguyen, a Vietnam immigrant, was targeting Asians and Hispanics during his three-day shooting spree.

Nguyen, 22, of Garland, Texas, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deadly conduct by discharging a firearm.

Several people were injured, but no one killed, during the June 29 to July 1 shooting spree in the Dallas suburbs of Garland, Mesquite, Richardson and Plano.

After his arrest, Nguyen told investigators that he was targeting Asians and Hispanics to get back at them for two altercations that he had recently with members of those groups.

Hate Crime Enhances Punishment

Police said not all of Nguyen's victims were Asian and Hispanic, but they believe he thought they all were. They were shot while stopped at traffic lights, driving down the highway and in a restaurant parking lot.

Nguyen is being held in Dallas County jail in lieu of $600,000 bond. Because the cases were filed as hate crimes the charges are increased to first-degree felonies and any punishment can be enhanced under Texas law.

See Also:
Immigrant Charged With Motorist Shootings

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