Man accused in bias crime involving pit bull attack appears in court

A man is facing bias crime charges after witnesses reported he called a Black man a racial slur and set his pitbull to attack in downtown Portland, injuring two people.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man appeared in court Wednesday following accusations that he called a Black man a racial slur before setting his pit bull to attack two people in downtown Portland, according to court records.

Zachary Hay, 29, pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree assault and one count of first-degree bias crime. It is unclear what will happen to the dog, though police said it was taken to Multnomah County Animal Services.

Court documents show Hay had recognized one victim from his job as a security officer at a grocery store in downtown Portland before the attack, which took place near SW 13th Alder Street.

After Hay saw one of them, a court affidavit reports he became hostile and yelled, "Oh, you're that n----- from Safeway."

Authorities said the targeted victim suffered “severe bites to his chest and hand” that “partially degloved his right thumb" and another person was injured in the groin area.

When contacted by police, Hay said his dog happened to get unleashed during the incident. A court affidavit shows Hays “claimed that two men had been aggressive with him and because of that, his dog had attacked them.”

Police say they believe there is a third victim who also has significant injuries and urge anyone with information to contact authorities.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.