A fire captain arrested in the attack on an Asian American man in Arkansas turned in his resignation, the city of Bentonville announced.
WREG reports Bentonville Captain Benjamin Snodgrass resignation became effective immediately on March 23.
In his resignation, he apologized for any embarrassment he caused to his family, fellow firefighters, friends and the city.
“He comes walking back at me, telling me he’s going to kill me and my kind of people and put a hold on me and that’s when I defend myself,” said victim Liem Nguyen to Fox16. “I’m scared now to go out.”
Nguyen said before he was attacked, the suspect asked him if he knew he was in America.
Snodgrass faces charges of misdemeanor third-degree battery and public intoxication.
Police say Snodgrass slurred his words during his interrogation.
“I don’t know guys, I’m hammered,” Hot Springs Police quoted him as saying.
“I never thought it would happen to me personally because I speak English perfectly and I spoke English to him perfectly,” said Nguyen. “It’s 2021. It doesn’t matter– people are people, that’s it there’s no difference.”
Snodgrass had worked in the department for 12 years until his resignation.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or making a financial contribution to support us.