Montana Police Investigate Bias-Motivated Assault on Jewish Man

MISSOULA, Mont. – Authorities are investigating a bias-motivated assault that occurred on Oct. 7, which has been classified as a hate crime. The incident took place in broad daylight when a man was assaulted due to his Jewish faith.

Missoula Police Officers responded to reports of an assault in the 1100 block of West Broadway at approximately 1:35 p.m. When they arrived, they found a male victim with visible injuries and blood on his face.

According to a press release from the Missoula Police Department (MPD), the suspect fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival. Through their investigation, the police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Michael Cain.

Evidence and statements collected at the scene indicated that the assault was motivated by the victim’s religious and ethnic identity as part of the Jewish community.

Cain was arrested shortly after and taken to the Missoula County Detention Center. The Missoula County Attorney’s Office has charged him with Malicious Intimidation or Harassment Relating to Civil or Human Rights.

MPD is urging anyone with additional information or evidence related to the incident to contact them at 406-552-6300.