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Argument over parking space leads to acid attack, hate crime investigation in Milwaukee

Posted at 6:42 AM, Nov 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-04 15:05:25-05

MILWAUKEE — Police have arrested a man after he allegedly threw acid on another man during an argument over a parking space on Friday and are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Milwaukee police confirmed they arrested a 61-year-old man on charges of aggravated battery.

Video taken from a surveillance camera shows a man in a hooded sweatshirt arguing with another man, who identified himself to reporters as Mahud V.. The man in the sweatshirt points at Mahud, and then throws what's believed to be battery acid at him.

"It was so, oh my gosh the sensation was horrible," Mahud said.

Mahud has extensive burn marks on his face and on the coat he was wearing.

"I don't know the guy. I never saw him in my life, and he did that to me. Who carries a bottle of acid?" Mahud said.

The incident allegedly started over a parking space.

"He started talking. You come to invade my country. You don't respect my laws," Mahud said.

In a statement released on Saturday, Milwaukee Alderman Jose Perez said that "police are investigating this attack as a hate crime," and that they "have been ensured that all hate crime enhancers are added to the charges."

Forward Latino released the following statement on behalf of Mahud's family about the arrest:

"We wish to thank Chief Alfonso Morales and all the professionals at the Milwaukee Police Department for their efforts in bringing the attacker to justice. We also wish to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

This story was originally published by Lauren Linder on WTMJ in Milwaukee.