BEND, Ore. (AP) — A Bend man is facing a hate crime charge for an alleged road-rage incident in which he is accused of threatening a Black man with a knife, smashing his car window, slashing his tire and using a racial slur.
Christopher King, 34, appeared in Deschutes County Circuit Court Tuesday, The Bulletin reported. The state alleges the incident happened June 29, when King and alleged victim Isaiah Evans were driving vehicles in Deschutes County.
District Attorney John Hummel said King became upset over Evans’ driving, hit Evans’ car with his, pulled over and approached with a knife.
King’s lawyer Kelly Monaghan said he is maintaining his innocence.
The incident was investigated by Bend Police, and in August, a grand jury charged King with bias crime, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver and menacing.
A plea hearing in King’s case is scheduled for Nov. 16.