Citing insufficient evidence, Warren police will not pursue charges against a man who had been accused of assaulting a protester following the anti-hate rally in front of Warren Town Hall on Sunday afternoon, April 18.

The alleged assault was reported by a protestor who had just left the rally at about 3 p.m.. In a call to police, she said her alleged assailant shoved her as the more than 100 people who had attended the rally dispersed following its conclusion.

The woman "reported a male approaching her and during their initial interaction, the alleged suspect had shoved her," Lt. Perreault said. "The alleged suspect, as he lost his balance, then was grabbed by the complainant and the male was then escorted across the street."

Police reviewed video footage of the area and investigated for several days before deciding that charges of simple assault or battery were not warranted. They later contacted the woman to tell her that charges would not be forthcoming.

"No visible injuries were observed on either involved party," Lt. Perreault said. "Through the investigation, it was found that the alleged suspect was in fact at the rally as a peace supporter, which initially was misinterpreted by others in the crowd."

The rally was called in the wake of the recent discovery of dozens of hateful and racist stickers on street signs in the downtown area. It drew protestors from across the state.