This month, I would like to discuss an incident that occurred last week on Detroit’s east side that brings to light a larger issue that we as a community need to address.

While driving down the same street that he had for the past 17 years, Steve Utash, a white male from Clinton Township who worked as a tree-trimmer and has children and grandchildren, hit a young boy who crossed his path. According to police, Utash did not violate any traffic laws and the boy likely ran in front of the truck as it was coming. Instead of driving off and leaving the case to be a hit and run, Utash stopped the truck, got out of the car and went to check on the boy he hit to make sure he was alright, as any decent human being would do.

In response, Utash was then beaten by a mob of roughly a dozen men, all presumed black, who left him in critical condition and then stole his truck. Deborah Hughes, a retired nurse and an African American resident of the neighborhood, heard the crash and took care of the boy, who thankfully only had minor injuries. She also stood up for Utash and made the men stop beating him and is likely the reason that Steve Utash is still alive. According to Channel 7 news, she is quoted as having said that out of roughly 100 people in the crowd, no one but her told the men to stop beating Utash. No one. Not one person. Essentially, he was beaten for doing the right thing. What kind of message does that send people?

There is something terribly wrong when we look at this picture. Just thinking about this case fills me with anger and disgust. Thankfully, two of the teenagers who beat Utash were arrested. My heart breaks for both the little boy and for Steve Utash, a man who did the right thing by pulling over to check on the boy, only to be punished so severely.

My question is, did race play a role in why Utash was beaten so severely? Was he beaten because he is a white male? Unfortunately, the answer is likely yes. If so, this case needs to be treated like a hate crime just like in any other similar situation. Outrage over this incident and support for Utash’s family came pouring in from people of all races and backgrounds.

I believe that we need to do better.  If we want to change perceptions of Detroit in the eyes of outsiders, part of our job is to drive hate out of our city. People’s first concern is safety and everyone should feel safe whether they are from here or not. We need to speak out more and let it be known that this hate and prejudice is not a representation of Detroit as a whole.

My heart goes out to Steve Utash, the little boy and both their families. God willing, both will heal and be well with time. In Detroit, lets stand united so nothing like this ever happens again.