MILWAUKEE — Clifton A. Blackwell, 61, the man who is suspected of throwing battery acid on another man and telling him "go back, go back (expletive)," has been charged with one felony count of a hate crime.
The circumstances of the attack revolved around a parking spot.
According to the complaint, Mahud Villalaz, 42, drove to a restaurant on Friday and proceeded to park his truck in front of the business and walk toward it.
Villalaz was approached by a man, later identified as Blackwell, and was told he could not park there due to the location of a bus stop.
Blackwell proceeded to tell Villalaz, "Why did you invade my country?" and "Why don't you respect my laws?" according to the complaint.
Villalaz is originally from Peru and moved to the United States in 2001. He became a citizen in 2013.
After attempting to move his car, Blackwell proceeded to engage him again. Villalaz called him a "racist (expletive)" and said, "everyone comes from somewhere first."
Blackwell allegedly proceeded to throw the unknown liquid on the face, cheek, neck and left eye of Villalaz, resulting in second degree burns.
A search warrant of Blackwell's residence recovered muriatic acid, sulfuric acid and drain cleaner.
The count also includes first degree reckless injury with use of a dangerous weapon.
If convicted, Blackwell could be fined more than $100,000 and serve up to 30 years in prison.
This story was originally published on WTMJ.
