Andrew Walls

Racist Kent man charged after assaulting black woman

By Edward Era Barbacena

The 26-year-old Kent man accused of punching a Black woman in the face and yelling racial slurs during an attack in February had a hearing in Akron Municipal Court Thursday.

Akron Municipal Court records show Andrew Walls is charged with two counts of assault and one count of possessing weapons while intoxicated.

Akron police said Walls assaulted Cameron Morgan, 23, outside a bar in Highland Square on Feb. 28.

Morgan’s attorney, David Betras, told 19 News Thursday that Akron city attorneys will not classify the attack as a hate crime.

“The system is just failing my poor victim, but that’s OK we have a civil case going and we’ll make sure the civil court do what obviously the city attorney in Akron can’t do,” said Betras.

Morgan filed a civil lawsuit against Walls in March.

The incident was caught on camera.

I’m devastated right now. My 23-year-old daughter Cameron, who wouldn’t hurt anyone and has a heart of gold, was sucker...

Walls pleaded not guilty and remains out on bond.

A jury trial date is expected to be chosen on Friday.