Grant County fight could lead to hate crime enhancers

Authorities said a fight that occurred in southwest Wisconsin earlier this month could result in enhanced charges if the Grant County District Attorney’s office finds elements of a possible hate crime. A press release issued by the Grant County Sheriff’s Department states that authorities were alerted at approximately 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18 about a fight that had occurred shortly after 1 a.m. that day on Sandy Lane in Jamestown Township. The release states that a graphic video of the incident depicting some of what occurred during the fight was posted to social media. The video included racial slurs used during the incident. The investigation has revealed “there were multiple individuals, juveniles and adults, involved in the incident.” 20-year-old Anthony Drapeau of Hazel Green has been arrested and faces charges of disorderly conduct and misdemeanor battery in relation to the incident. The sheriff’s department continues to investigate the incident and relay evidence to the Grant County District Attorney’s Office which will determine whether to apply hate-crime enhancers to any pending charges.